Hull KR sign Burke on season-long loan from Wigan

Correspondent

Hull Kingston Rovers have signed loose forward Greg Burke on a season-long loan from Wigan.

The forward, who can also play in the second row as well as at prop, becomes the Robins’ 11th new signing for 2015.

The 21-year-old is looking forward to fighting for a first-team place, as well as lining up alongside former Wigan team-mate Darrell Goulding in east Hull next year.

” [Robins coach] Chris Chester has given me an opportunity to try to cement a place in the team and that’s my plan for the year,” he said.

“I can play anywhere in the pack but my preferred position is at loose forward and hopefully I can nail down that spot.

“I’m not shy of playing with the ball and when I’ve spoken to Chris he’s said not to be scared to do that. It’s something that we pride ourselves on at Wigan and hopefully I can bring that to Hull KR as well.

“From a Wigan point of view, Sean O’Loughlin is somebody that I look up to and I’d like to emulate him and his style of play if I can, and it will also be great to link up with Darrell Goulding again at Rovers.

“Darrell is easy to get along with and he’s somebody you can chat to if you need any help, so it will be good to have him around in the first few weeks while I bed in and get to know people.

“With the signings that have been made for next year, there’ll be competition for places and that leads to success within the team.

“Hopefully that can happen and we can have a good year.”

Burke has made 17 Super League appearances for Wigan after breaking into the first team in 2013, and has also played for Bradford on loan.

Chris Chester hopes that the former Ince Rose Bridge amateur can bring skill and aggression to the Robins’ forward pack.

“I’d like to thank Shaun Wane, Kris Radlinski and the Wigan club for agreeing to this loan and hopefully it will be a deal that suits all parties,” said Chester.

“Greg is a fantastic addition to our squad for next season and we’re excited to have him on board. He is a ball playing lock forward with plenty of skill but he’s aggressive with it.

“With us losing Neville Costigan, Greg will be a perfect replacement for him and I’m sure he will fit right into our system. He likes to get his hands on the ball but he’s got a strong work rate too and he’ll be a good asset to the team.”