Some big decisions to be made in 2026.
Sauaso Sue in pre-season training.(Image: Hull KR)
Hull KR’s hunger for success in 2026 remains undiminished following a historic campaign in East Hull.
Sustained dominance at the top of the game inevitably brings talk of potential dynasty under Willie Peters. The Robins dethroned Wigan Warriors in 2025 to complete a remarkable treble, with the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and Super League trophy all proudly on display at Sewell Group Craven Park.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a huge campaign for Rovers, featuring one of the most demanding starts ever seen. A World Club Challenge, a high-profile trip to Las Vegas and visits to France are all scheduled before the end of April.
Alongside those challenges, the reigning champions face some significant contract decisions as they balance short-term success with long-term planning. Nine players are currently without deals beyond the end of the upcoming season, with overseas trio Peta Hiku, Sauaso Sue and Rhyse Martin headlining that list.
All players out of contract at the end of 2026 in Super League are free to speak to rival clubs. For Hull KR, both Sue and Hiku were central figures in last season’s success, while Martin returned from a long-term injury to feature in the Grand Final and help complete the historic treble.
Clubs rarely welcome uncertainty over player futures making headlines, and discussions are often ongoing behind the scenes. For Hull KR, the key question is their future planning over the quota trio.
Hiku enters his third season with the Robins away from home and turned 33 in December. Sue, who turns 34 in April, has been a consistent enforcer in Rovers’ pack since arriving ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Making early decisions would allow the club to plan proactively, either by targeting the best available recruitment or by agreeing extensions and managing the salary cap as efficiently as possible. Their re-signings would be welcomed at Hull KR, given the influence each player continues to have on and off the field.
Longer term, players such as Louix Gorman, Cobie Wainhouse, academy graduate Frankie Dearlove and new recruit Tom Whitehead will be eager to gain first-team experience and eventually secure starting roles. Another year of natural development could benefit all parties, with an eye firmly on planning for the future.