Hull KR confirm signing of Brisbane Broncos forward Rhys Kennedy

Josh McAllister
Rhys Kennedy Super League

Hull KR have announced the signing of prop forward Rhys Kennedy from Brisbane Broncos on a two-year deal from 2023. 

The 27-year-old made his NRL debut in 2019 for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He has gone on to make 43 appearances across stints with the Rabbitohs and Brisbane Broncos.

So far this season, the prop forward has made five appearances for Brisbane.

Rhys Kennedy on move to Super League

Kennedy said: “I’m really excited for the opportunity. It’s going to be a big change, but I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture at Hull KR.

“The deal to join Hull KR was reasonably quick. I know Willie Peters, he coached me at South Sydney Rabbitohs, he was on the phone to me pretty quick to get a deal done. He gets to work really quickly! I’m really looking forward to coming over and meeting the guys.

“I’m really looking forward to playing some consistent football and cementing a spot at Hull KR. That’s the number one goal for me. It’s a great opportunity for me to get better as a player, that was a really appealing part of coming over.”

Willie Peters on new signing

Kennedy is one of three new signings expected by the club for 2023. Incoming head coach Willie Peters revealed a trio of new additions speaking with reporter Barry Toohey on his podcast, ‘Toohey’s News’. 

Tom Opacic and and Sauaso Sue are also expected to be joining the club for next season. 

Peters added: “It’s great to have Rhys on board for next year. We worked together in 2019 when he was at the Rabbitohs.

Rhys’ biggest strengths are his size and power. We looked at that for next year’s recruitment and Rhys will give us that. He carries the ball really strong and has good footwork, he’ll be hard to handle in that aspect. That’s what I’ve liked since Rhys joined the Broncos, his development into an aggressive front-rower. I’m looking forward to working with him again.

“We wanted to bring over players with their best footy is still ahead of them and Rhys is ready to go to that next level. Super League will suit his game. The players that are coming over will help to take the club to the next level. 

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of Hull KR. The aim is to win trophies, it’s exciting for me as a coach, the players already at Hull KR and those coming in for next season.”

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