New Hull KR full-back Dixon feared for career

Kieran Dixon admits his long injury lay-off last season had him thinking what he would do without rugby league.

The Hackney flyer, 22, played just four games last season after tearing medial, cruciate and anterior ligaments in his left knee playing for England Knights at the end of 2013.

That injury ruled out a speculated move to Salford at the time, but Dixon now finds himself at Hull KR having left the London Broncos following their relegation from the top flight.

He said: “Coming from the first two years at London being really good years, to then up only playing four games last season was really tough.

“It was hard on my body and hard on my mind, and I came close to thinking about what I’m going to do if I don’t play again.

“That was a bit of a shock to the system, and made me think to put some things in the background if something does happen to me again.”

With Hull KR expecting a crowd in excess of 11,000 for the visit of Leeds in their Super League opener at the weekend, it’s a far cry from the sparse crowds that turned out to see Dixon in Broncos colours.

He moved north back in October and has settled.

“It’s been a massive culture shock. It doesn’t feel as fast as London, everyone is a lot more chilled out.

“Coming from London, we didn’t have much of a following apart from the few hardcore fans, nowhere near the crowds we get at KR. The derby against Hull FC in pre-season was a big highlight and I can’t wait for the league games against them now.”

It was at winger where he caught the eye in the capital, but having been handed the number one jersey by coach Chris Chester, it’s clear where his future lies.

Dixon added: “I played my whole academy career at full back, it was just through opportunities I got put on the wing and made a name for myself.

“I’m glad Chezzy has given me an opportunity to claim the number one shirt and hopefully I can keep it.”