Midlands Hurricanes have announced the signing of former Super League man Oliver Roberts as they prepare to step up to the Championship.
The Hurricanes finished fifth in League One this season but they’ll be joining an expanded Championship competition in 2026 and they’ve started planning for the jump up.
The club have already snapped up former Widnes Vikings half-back Danny Craven, Oldham’s Cian Tyrer and Rochdale Hornets’ Lewis Else, but they have now added to their pack with the signing of Roberts.
The Ireland international has signed a two-year deal with the club and he makes the move with heaps of Super League experience under his belt.
After starting his career at Bradford Bulls, Roberts joined Huddersfield Giants, where he made 94 appearances over the course of four seasons, scoring 17 tries in the process.
He signed for Salford Red Devils in 2020 and played 21 times before making a further three outings for the Giants.
The versatile forward, who can play in the back-row or through the middle, joined Sheffield Eagles in 2023 and he has been a regular in the Championship for the South Yorkshire outfit over the last three years.
As such, his signing is a big one for the Hurricanes, who will be keen to compete next season in the second tier.
Ex-Huddersfield Giants man joins 2026 Championship side
“I’m really excited to be joining the club,” Roberts said upon joining the club. “Having known Mark (Dunning) and Leigh (Beattie) from my days at Bradford Bulls, and Mike (Lomas) and Eorl (Crabtree) from my time at Huddersfield Giants, it was a no-brainer to become part of a team with such a fantastic squad and big ambitions for the future.
“Having the opportunity to speak with Mark and Mike about the future of the club and the direction it’s heading has been really exciting. Hopefully, I can bring a bit of experience as one of the older heads in the squad.
“After spending several years in Super League and the last four seasons in the Championship, Midlands represents a new adventure and presents exciting new challenges. I’m looking forward to meeting the lads and getting stuck into pre-season next month.”
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Head coach Mark Dunning said: “We’re delighted to welcome Oliver and his family to the club and the wider Canes family. After chatting with him from minute one it was clear he wanted to be a part of our project and journey, demonstrated by the fact he has turned down lucrative opportunities from elsewhere down to become a Cane for the next two years.
“Oliver is an Ireland and England Knights international, which is a great coup for our club. Having known him for a number of years I’m confident he will bring great experience to our group and add to the high standards we are already setting at the club.
“With Roberts equally at home in the back row or the middle and armed with a strong no nonsense approach, I’m sure the Canes faithful will have another fan favourite on their hands.”
