Chester set to welcome new signings Blair & Kelly to Hull KR

Hull KR‘s new halfback signings Albert Kelly and Maurice Blair are set to arrive in the UK this Friday, with the necessary visa clearance having been granted.

The former Gold Coast Titans pair will offer competition to another new signing, Terry Campese, in the halves, with Blair also offering options in the centres.

“We’re expecting them to be big players for us next season and we’re excited about having them join the rest of the squad out on the training field,” Robins coach Chris Chester told his club’s official website.

“We’ve been in regular contact with Albert and Maurice over the past few weeks and we’re confident they’ll fit easily into the group when they get here. They’ll have a few days to settle in over the weekend before training on Monday.

“Mitch Allgood is making good progress with his visa and Terry Campese is due to get here on the 29th so hopefully we’ll have a full squad to work with in the not too distant future.

“We’ll be working hard over Christmas and apart from a few days off we’ll be training right the way through. It’s been a tough pre-season schedule but the players are all putting the effort in.”

Chester is also pleased to have Blair providing competition in a couple of different positions, as well as in the halves.

“Maurice will be here before Terry Campese so he will have the first chance to throw his cap into the ring for the spot,” Chester told the Hull Daily Mail.

2It’s a good chance for Maurice to put his hand up and show what he can do.

“I spoke to Albert as soon as his visa arrived and he can’t wait to get here.

“Maurice has also been in touch and he has been doing the programmes we set him so they should be in good shape when they get over here.”

Hull KR do still have money to spend on a British hooker, according to a report in the Hull Daily Mail.

The Robins’ hunt for a dummy half to replace Josh Hodgson has been well-documented during this close season.

They have signed French prospect John Boudebza from the French side Lezignan, and are also hoping that Keal Carlile can step up to a higher level.

But the active search for another hooker has been put on hold, despite funds being available. An attempt to sign Shaun Lunt from Huddersfield earlier this year also ended in failure.

Rovers will only now move for a 9 if the right player becomes available.