A huge blow to Hull KR at the start of the new season.
15:46, 25 Feb 2026Updated 15:50, 25 Feb 2026
Hull KR full-back Arthur Mourgue requires surgery on an injury suffered in the World Club Challenge.
Hull KR are set to be without star full-back Arthur Mourgue for an estimated 12 weeks due to injury.
The France international requires surgery on a pectoral muscle after sustaining the blow during the first half of the World Club Challenge clash with Brisbane Broncos. Mourgue, 26, was forced off at the MKM Stadium, prompting head coach Willie Peters to reshuffle his backline. Mikey Lewis switched to full-back, Jez Litten moved into the halves and off-season recruit Karl Lawton was introduced from the interchange bench.
The Robins now expect to be without their first-choice No.1 for approximately three months – a significant setback at the start of the 2026 Super League season.
Hull KR flew out to Las Vegas just 72 hours after being crowned world club champions and will now form part of the NRL’s showpiece event in Sin City, where they are set to face Leeds Rhinos at Allegiant Stadium as part of a rugby league triple-header.
Jack Broadbent looks the leading candidate to replace Mourgue in the longer term, having travelled to the United States with the squad. The 25-year-old played a key role in Hull KR’s record-breaking 2025 campaign, making 30 appearances and scoring 17 tries. He featured at full-back, on the wing, at centre and from the interchange bench.
Meanwhile, influential back-rower Dean Hadley has also made encouraging progress after suffering what was initially suspected to be a fractured eye-socket. He has travelled to Las Vegas and will be given until match day to prove his fitness.
Opponents Leeds are hopeful of welcoming back captain Ash Handley for Saturday’s showdown. The 30-year-old outside-back has missed the Rhinos’ opening three competitive fixtures of the season after picking up a groin injury in a pre-season clash against Bradford Bulls.