McGuire to join Hull KR next season
Hull KR have confirmed the signing of Leeds captain and Super League’s all-time leading try-scorer Danny McGuire from next season.
McGuire announced last week that he intended to take up a new challenge from 2018 after spending his entire career at Headingley, and Rovers have won the race for his signature after fending off interest from a number of rival clubs to secure his services on a two-year contract.
The 34-year-old is one of the most decorated players of all-time, winning seven Grand Finals with his hometown club along with two Challenge Cup finals, three World Club Challenge trophies and three League Leaders Shield titles.
McGuire has crossed for 262 tries in 414 appearances for Leeds and will link up with Rovers for pre-season training having committed to joining the club regardless of the Robins’ league status.
McGuire said: “I could have quite easily stuck around at Leeds and finished my career here, but I feel like I’ve still got a lot to give and that I’m still playing well, so I’m looking forward to starting afresh and putting a marker down at Hull KR. Hopefully, we can have a good season and create some good times there.
“I had a couple of options, but once I’d spoken to Jamie Peacock and Tim Sheens I made my mind up pretty quickly.
“With the direction the club is wanting to go and having the chance to work with somebody with Tim’s experience and everything he’s achieved in the game, it seemed the perfect fit. I know quite a few of the boys there already, the ex-Leeds lads and people like Shaun Lunt, so everything just felt right.
“The main thing I want to let everybody know is that I’m coming over there to play well. I still feel like I’m playing well individually and I’ve got plenty of experience to add to the team.
“I’m not coming just to rest on my laurels and have a holiday – I want to be part of a successful team at Rovers.
“It’s an exciting challenge for me because I’ll basically be coming across having to prove myself all over again to everybody, not just my new teammates and my new coaches, but to the club and the fans.”
Rovers’ boss Sheens added: “Danny will really add to our squad for next year. He’s had a few clubs looking at him but I think he liked what he heard about us and the things we spoke about.
“We’ve had a good chat about how we see things and we were totally honest regarding our situation for next year, which wasn’t an issue for him.
“He’s a quality player who’s still playing good football this season. He also adds a lot to the club in terms of the value he brings with the media and sponsorship, plus his experience on the field. He’s got plenty of that and it will be brilliant for our younger half backs to have the chance to work with him.
“The spine of your team is always the most important and with the likes of Danny and Shaun Lunt in there, we’re looking pretty strong in that area.
“Danny will be a big part of that – he’s got a lot to offer, but hopefully he learns something new with us as well. He thinks he will and I do too.”