Hull Kingston Rovers have secured the services of George Lawler for at least the next four years after the promising young forward penned a new long-term contract with the club.
Lawler has been an ever present for the Robins so far this season in his debut year with the first team squad and he’s been rewarded for a string of impressive performances with a new deal that will keep him at the KC Lightstream Stadium until at least the end of the 2019 campaign.
After deservedly winning the club’s 2015 Academy Player of the Year award, Lawler signed his first professional deal with Rovers less than six months ago but Head of Rugby Jamie Peacock has moved quickly to secure the talented youngster on a longer contract after being impressed with his performances on and off the field.
Peacock said: “George is a very popular member of the squad, level-headed and eager to learn, so we are delighted that he sees at least the next four years of his career here at Hull Kingston Rovers.
“If this club is to develop and progress to where we want it to be, then it’s vital we bring through more home-grown players and build the team around talented local guys like George.
“He’s shown this season that he has the ability and skill-set to play at hooker but he’s also very effective in the back row. He still has a long way to go and there’s plenty of development left in him, but he trains hard and wants to improve.
“He epitomises the attitude and work ethic that we want at this club and we see him having a big future in the game, especially here at Hull KR.”
Lawler, the son of former Rovers player Kenny, was playing for local amateur side West Hull in the National Conference League less than two years ago but enjoyed a remarkable rise to Super League last season, impressing for the under-19s and then scoring two tries in three appearances for the first team.
Speaking to www.hullkr.co.uk about his new contract, the 20-year-old said: “It’s been a brilliant last 12 months and I couldn’t be happier with how everything has gone. To sign a new four-year deal is a dream come true and wasn’t something I expected so early in the year.
“I had a good pre-season with the coaching staff and I’ve been pleased with how I’ve started the year. I got an opportunity in the team earlier than I thought I would and I’m learning every week.
“The senior guys in the squad have really helped me out and I just want to keep working hard and play as many games as I can now.”
