The new Hull KR recruit is raring to go.
14:00, 11 Feb 2026Updated 14:09, 11 Feb 2026
Karl Lawton is set to make his Super League debut on Thursday against competition newcomers York Knights.
In rugby league, it doesn’t get much bigger than Hull KR’s start to the new season, with belief sky-high that they can retain all their trophies across 2026.
The defence of their Super League title begins tomorrow with a trip to competition newcomers York Knights, and new recruit Karl Lawton believes the Robins’ hectic month represents one of the game’s true pinnacles.
After York, Willie Peters’ Rovers face Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge before heading Stateside for the Las Vegas showcase event alongside the NRL, where they will take on Leeds Rhinos at Allegiant Stadium.
Lawton, who joined Hull KR during the off-season from North Queensland Cowboys on a three-year deal, has been impressed by the hunger that remains at Sewell Group Craven Park despite last year’s historic treble.
The focus, however, is firmly on the trip to the LNER Community Stadium, with Hull KR urged by their head coach to set the tone from the outset.
“It’s pretty much the pinnacle, I reckon. It’s a big month,” Lawton told Hull Live.
“We’ve prepped really well for it, and the coaching staff have been amazing. All the boys have got their heads around the busy schedule, and you’ve got to be dialled in.
“It’s been a solid pre-season, and probably one of the hardest I’ve done, to be honest. It’s been a great test and we’re definitely primed for round one.
“The team are so dialled in, it’s like they haven’t won the treble. They rock up every day as hungry as ever, and to have that mindset is pretty special. Staying hungry is hard to do but so important. I couldn’t believe how hard everyone was training – it was refreshing.
“York are going to be a strong team. You can’t take any team lightly, and you can’t go out there with an easy attitude and mindset, because it doesn’t work that way or you’ll have your pants pulled down.
“You treat every game like it’s the hardest opponents, and that’s how we’ve looked at it and how we’ve prepped for it.”
Super League 2026 Preview ON SALE NOW
The new Super League season is upon us and to get you ready for kick-off we’ve got the essential season preview ON SALE NOW.
Packed full of exclusive interviews with the game’s big hitters on and off the field, we also profile the new faces to watch out for and predict the biggest stories of the year. Featuring exclusive interviews from all 14 clubs, features, analysis and predictions, Super League 2026 really is your one stop shop for the new season.
Purchase your copy today, or in participating retailers, supermarkets and independents newsagents from Wednesday, February 4, 2026. For online orders, postage and packaging applies. Online orders will be dispatched from February 4, 2026.
Lawton has also declared he will do whatever it takes to help retain the silverware in east Hull, with the club also targeting a fourth trophy when they face Brisbane at the MKM Stadium on Thursday 19.
The 30-year-old is set to make his Super League debut after being named in a strong 21-player squad. He already enjoyed his first competitive Hull KR outing in the historic 104-0 Challenge Cup win over Lock Lane, scoring one of 18 tries against the community club.
“My role every week is to compete for a spot wherever I’m needed – whether that’s hooker, 13, back-row, front-row or in the backs. I just want to compete and fit in where the team needs me,” he said.
“That’s the important bit. As long as I’m playing every week, that’s my goal. I’ve been a utility for a long time now and I’ve enjoyed it. It’s like having a new job every week – it keeps things interesting and fun. I’m keen to get started and rip in with the lads.”