New Zealand international Peta Hiku says he’s excited to be joining Willie Peters’ Hull KR revolution.
The Kiwi star, 30, leaves North Queensland Cowboys at the end of the season to take up a three-year deal with the Robins. A versatile back with 189 NRL appearances to his name, he replaces retiring ex-St Helens full-back Lachlan Coote in a big coup for the East Yorkshire club.
Hiku has played in Super League before, scoring 10 tries in just 11 games after moving to Warrington on a short-term deal near the end of 2017. He has also won 17 caps for New Zealand and played in all of the Kiwis’ World Cup games last year, featuring at centre where he has also been playing for the Cowboys. KR are up to third in Super League and safely into the Challenge Cup quarter-finals in Peters’ first season in charge.
Ex-Manly, Penrith and New Zealand Warriors star Hiku said: “It’s exciting the way the club has been going this year and what Willie (Peters) has been talking about with how the club’s building too, it’s exciting to be a part of it.
“I’m looking at it being enjoyable (playing full-back): you get your hands on the ball more and are more involved in the game. That’s in attack and defence. You have to be involved in everything and I’m looking forward to it.
"And the way the Robins crowd get behind the team and the passion the community has for their footy, I can’t wait to experience all that.”
Peters said: "We’re excited to welcome Peta to Hull KR next season. He is proven at every level in the game and brings a wealth of experience to our side. It's a real capture to have Peta join us. Peta's high standards in the NRL and for the Kiwis is a testament to his ability on the field and to him as a person.
“We’ve earmarked Peta to play full-back for us next season with him playing there through the grades and in the NRL.
"However, Peta’s versatility will be an asset to us next season as he can play full-back, five-eighth and centre equally well. He is a strong leader and a motivated winner. I’d like to welcome Peta, his wife, and his children to Hull KR for 2024.”