Kris Welham: I didn’t like having to play for Gateshead

Hull KR centre Kris Welham has described being sent to Gateshead Thunder on dual-registration last month as “disappointing” but called it the “kick up the backside” he needed.

The 27-year-old has rarely been out of the Robins’ matchday 17 this season but was sent to the Championship One outfit in June by coach Craig Sandercock after losing form.

He played 40 minutes in Thuunder’s 42-16 loss to York City Knights but impressed his coach enough to be recalled.

“I was disappointed to play for Gateshead,” Welham told the Hull Daily Mail.

“But maybe it was what I needed after not playing well in the games before that.

“It was a good experience for me because I re-evaluated my game after that. Playing for Gateshead in Championship One is not what I wanted and I didn’t like it.

“Maybe it was the kick up the backside I needed and I feel I’m a lot better player now as a result. I don’t want to experience that again.”

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