Hull KR-bound Poore joins Wakefield exodus

Hull KR have signed Wakefield prop Justin Poore on a two-year deal.

Poore, 28, joins a growing list of players to leave the Wildcats, with Tim Smith, Paul Aiton and Kyle Amor all amongst the big name departures in the past few months.

He said: “I finished last season at Wakefield and had all intentions of going back there. But then a week before I was due back for pre-season I got a phone call from my manager asking if I’d be interested in joining Hull KR.

“One of my best mates in Michael Weyman is coming here and I’ve also played alongside the likes of Neville Costigan and Kris Keating. They were all factors in me coming here and it’s definitely a club that’s on the up.

“I know we made the eight last year and having bought really well during this off-season I think we can have a good year next year. I’m just stoked to be on board.”

A former New South Wales Origin prop, Poore moved to Super League ahead of the 2013 season from Parramatta Eels.

He made a big impression on his debut, getting sent off for a brawl with Ryan Bailey in Wakefield’s festive “friendly” with Leeds.

Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock said: “Justin is a good, experienced player who has played the game at the highest level and I was impressed with the way he adapted to the Super League last season. The likes of him, Michael Weyman and Neville Costigan will bring a lot of professionalism both on and off the field and I’m looking forward to seeing them in a Hull KR shirt.”

Poore, who has also played for St George-Illawarra Dragons in the NRL, made 24 appearances for the Wildcats, scoring two tries.