Tyrone McCarthy has become Hull Kingston Rovers’ latest new signing for 2015, penning a two-year contract with the club from next season.
The former Warrington Wolves forward has spent the current campaign with Australian outfit Northern Pride but will return to Super League as part of a new-look Robins squad under head coach Chris Chester.
Comfortable playing either through the middle or as a wide-running back rower, the Ireland international told www.hullkr.co.uk he’s determined to make a success of his move to the club.
“It’s been a great experience playing in Australia and it’s going to leave me in good stead coming back to Super League with Hull KR,” he said.
“I could have stayed at Warrington this year and been comfortable but I wanted a challenge. I’ve developed physically and I’ll be coming back bigger, stronger and probably the fittest I’ve ever felt.
“I’ve been playing back row this year and that’s been good for me in terms of my execution of plays and getting my hands on the ball, but I’ve played a lot of my career in that middle part of the park too.
“Speaking to Chris, what really attracted me to coming here was being part of what the club is trying to achieve. Whenever I’ve played against Hull KR in the past, it’s always been a tough place to come to but the consistency has probably let them down a little bit.
“With all the new boys that are coming in for next season, everybody is wanting to kick on their own career but the recipe is there to build something for the club and fans as well. We want to create that culture where just competing isn’t good enough and we want to be striving for success ourselves.”
Hull KR’s sixth new signing for 2015, McCarthy is an experienced international and was Ireland’s vice-captain during last year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Racking up more than 50 first team appearances for the Wolves, the 26-year-old was part of the Warrington team which won the Challenge Cup three times in four years and scored a try in the 2012 final at Wembley.
Head coach Chris Chester added: “Tyrone gives us plenty of options in the forward pack next season and he’s a player who is comfortable playing either through the middle or on an edge.
“With us losing Rhys Lovegrove for next year, he’s a like for like replacement and he brings big game experience. Tyrone’s at the age where he is about to enter his prime as a forward and he’s had big raps over in Australia for his professionalism both on and off the field, so he’ll be a good fit for us.
“He’s come through a good system over at Warrington too so he’ll really add to the sort of culture we want to be creating in the squad and we’re thrilled he’s come onboard.”