It’s been a unique journey for the new Hull KR recruit.
New Hull KR signing Declan Murphy.
For Declan Murphy, rugby league has been a whirlwind journey of trials, turbulence and a first Super League contract – all within the space of 12 months. The outside-back was released from Saracens at the end of the 2024/25 rugby union season before earning a trial with Wigan Warriors’ reserves as he explored a switch of codes.
Amid their struggles, Salford Red Devils handed the youngster his first taste of Super League just months into his transition to rugby league. A handful of appearances for the Red Devils proved enough to turn heads. Hull KR quickly moved to secure Murphy as a long-term project, agreeing a three-year deal ahead of the 2026 season, with the former Saracens academy product still only 20 years of age.
Murphy admits his experience at Salford differed from many of his team-mates, having arrived late in the 2026 campaign with a clear aim of putting himself in the shop window.
He said: “It was a pretty difficult time, being released from Saracens, but then I went to Salford. I came in quite late, so I didn’t feel the full effect like some of the boys did. I came to play and put a name out there for myself, but for the boys, I can imagine it was proper tough.
“It came to points where they’d turn up and hope for the best. I would have hated to be in their boat. For me, I was fighting for a contract, so I just had to do my thing and put my name out there.”
Those appearances were enough to demonstrate his Super League potential, with Hull KR moving swiftly to snap him up under Willie Peters – a decision finalised just a week before Murphy faced the eventual treble-winning champions last September.
Now days away from completing his first full pre-season in rugby league, Murphy has wasted little time setting his sights high at Sewell Group Craven Park. He made his first unofficial appearance for the Robins in last month’s pre-season clash against Wakefield Trinity.
“It’s been good,” Murphy said of his time at Hull KR so far. “It’s a bit of a different environment coming from rugby union. It’s been proper tough, but really good.
“The boys have been really welcoming, and the coaches have been great. They’ve made it easy for me, breaking everything down bit by bit. It’s been easy to learn, get on board and I’ve been enjoying it.
“I knew it was going to be hard coming in. I did a lot of training in the off-season to keep my standards high. I knew the standards would be high here, so I’ve just tried to humble myself and make sure I’m ready. I want to play first-team, push myself and train hard. I want Willie to know that I’m hungry and that I’m here to learn.”
The young back is also realistic about the challenge ahead, with Arthur Mourgue set to wear the number one shirt in 2026. But being immersed in Hull KR’s environment – particularly during a season that includes the World Club Challenge and the club’s historic trip to Las Vegas – can only aid his development.
“Even if I’m not playing, it’ll be good to be around it and experience it all,” Murphy added. “The good thing is I’m here for three years, so I’ve got time to develop under Willie. I’m hungry and I want to be making that matchday squad every week.”