The young half-back made the cross-city switch last year
Jack Charles is among Hull KR’s crop of youngsters looking to push for places in 2026.
Only a select few are brave enough to make the bold cross-city switch in Hull, but Jack Charles admits the opportunity to be part of Willie Peters’ Hull KR revolution was a major factor in his decision.
The talented playmaker has begun a new four-year deal with the treble-winning champions after the Robins paid a transfer fee to the Black and Whites for his services, as one of the brightest prospects in the game.
Charles explained: “Where the club is going, they want to win and I want to be in that winning environment – I’m not saying Hull FC isn’t that, but Willie was a big driver and where the club is going off the pitch. I wanted to be a part of that.
“The way that the culture is, the environment and what Willie drives every day, it’s really special to be a part of. Hopefully we can continue that.”
Jack joins his father, Chris, in representing Hull KR, but insists the decision to make the cross-city switch on a long-term deal was ultimately his own.
Still learning his trade at just 20, Charles made 22 appearances for Hull FC, having made his debut as a teenager in March 2024 against London Broncos.
It proved to be a difficult season at the MKM Stadium, though one of the bright spots was the emergence of promising youngsters – including Charles himself.
He believes being thrown in at the deep end helped him grow significantly, both on and off the field, while learning alongside experienced team-mates also added to his development.
“That first year wasn’t too nice, but I learned a lot and I had to grow up a lot mentally,” Charles said.
“Being 17 and getting chucked in and playing a few games, I learned a lot and hopefully it helped me grow as a player and as a person. I’m mentally so much stronger, and hopefully I’ve grown as a rugby player as well. Mentally, it was a bit of a character building season.
“I’ve also learned from people like Aidan Sezer, last year he was really good with me. I’ve plenty of people to thank, but this is now a new chapter and I’m looking forward to attacking it and growing as a player and a person.”
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Charles has spent pre-season chomping at the bit to learn and train alongside Mikey Lewis and Tyrone May – two influential figures at Rovers who helped guide the side to a historic treble.
While the youngster knows he will have to bide his time in the pecking order, he is determined to make his mark in his debut season and give Peters plenty to think about.
“I want to learn as much as I can from them both. They’ve obviously done some pretty good stuff over the last couple of years together, so I want to pick their brains as much as possible,” Charles added.
“They’ve been very approachable, and with tips here and there. Hopefully that can continue and one day I’ll be running out week in, week out.
“I want to help the team out in training, but when I get the chance, take it with both hands and give them a bit of a headache. They’re both experienced players, but I want to push them as much as possible.”