HULL KR have made their fourth signing for next season and yet another from Down Under.
And new coach Nathan Cayless believes Brock Parker has been “one of the best front-rowers in the Queensland Cup”.
Parker, 24, spent this year playing in the Australian second-tier competition for Sunshine Coast Falcons, helping them top the table.
Before that, he played in Parramatta Eels’ New South Wales Cup team, under the coaching of Cayless himself.
The Robins’ latest addition follows the profile of their previous three – prop Salesi Ataata from South Sydney Rabbitohs and backrower Eddie Hampson from Townsville Blackhawks, both 23, and 24-year-old Moala Graham-Taufa, also from South Sydney.
Like Ataata and Hampson, Parker hasn’t played in the NRL, but Cayless is confident he has all the traits to be a success in Super League after signing a two-year contract.
“Brock is tough, reliable and a real competitor,” said the New Zealand playing great, who arrived in England on Wednesday and begins his first pre-season as Hull KR coach on Monday.
“He is an effective tackler who controls the ruck in defence and attack. He’s got a massive engine and does all the little things well. He will be a great addition for us.”
Parker, who played 22 times in the Queensland Cup to add to his 53 NSW Cup appearances for the Eels’ second string, said: “I play with my heart on my sleeve and I go after every game.
“I’m all about effort, being constantly involved and someone my teammates want to play with.
“Having worked with Nathan before, I know he’s a coach who brings the best out of his players.
“It sounds like a close-knit group at Hull KR and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
