Hadley stays at Robins for 2023

Hull KR can confirm that forward Dean Hadley has agreed to a new one-year extension with the club. The deal means the forward will remain at Sewell Group Craven Park up until the end of the 2023 season.

He has already made 47 appearances for the Robins scoring 4 tries and making a total of 147 Super League appearances across his career.

Hadley joined the Robins on loan in 2019 from local rivals Hull FC and has been an integral part of the side ever since he signed permanently in 2020.

The senior back-rower is a valued member of the Robins’ engine room and despite often going unnoticed by fans, his work ethic is second-to-none.

Speaking on Sunday’s win over Wakefield and then his personal injury, Hadley said: “I think it was much needed. We knew the importance going into the game and it was pleasing to get the win but from a personal point of view, absolutely gutted.”

Hadley opened up on what made him want to stay in East Hull for at least another year: “Since I moved here, I’ve loved my time at KR. On the field, things have progressed and I think that as time has gone on, we have improved and progressed.

“There is definitely still more to improve but the people at the club are all great and the work ethic is excellent. It’s a great club to be at. “

With new head coach Willie Peters heading over from the NRL, Hadley was excited about what the new coach can bring to the Robins’ side “It’s been a mixed year so far. With Willie coming in now it’s really exciting and the plan is just to carry on with everything we’ve been doing over the last couple of years. I’m really looking forward to him coming over and him implementing his style on things. “

The forward had this to say about the Robins’ credentials to be a playoff side this season: “I feel like this club is progressing and getting better on the field. We’re not far off the playoff spots. We know where we’re at at the moment but we’re certainly in that mix.”

When asked about playing more of a utility role next season, Hadley stated “there’s not much to change really. Whether I’m playing in the back-row or in the middle I’m comfortable either way and it is just what’s better for the team”

Willie Peters heaped praise on the 29-year-old forward adding: “The beauty of Dean is that he can play anywhere in the pack. He’s the type of player who can give you a seven or an eight every week and he’s just incredibly consistent.

“All the tidying up stuff really, that’s Dean Hadley. He’s a really good defensive player and has a really impressive work rate. He leaves everything out on the field and that is the sort of player that I want in my side.”