Newton and Fisher to leave Hull KR
Hull KR have announced that Clint Newton and Ben Fisher will both leave the club at the end of the season.
Newton still has one year left on his contract but has been granted early release to enable him to join NRL club Penrith Panthers on a two-year deal.
Commenting on the announcement, Newton said “It has been an honour and privilege to play for Rovers and live in the city of Hull these last four years.
“On my arrival I had heard so many good things about the history of Hull KR and the derbies. London and other parts of the nation may have the bright lights and skyscrapers, but I’ll take Hull’s genuine hospitality, passion and working class mentality over those superficial things every day of the year.
“My decision to take up the opportunity to move back home comes with a heavy heart and it’s not a decision that was made overnight. This decision is what’s best for my future, my partner and my family, and those reasons are the only reason for my departure, nothing else.
“The fact I am able to return to the NRL shows just what Hull KR as club, the players, the coaching staff and the fans have done for me. They have all contributed to me being able to love what I do and in turn depart a better player than when I arrived.”
Fisher, who has represented Scotland at international level, signed from Halifax and played hooker in the side that gained promotion into Super League in 2006.
“I’d like to thank the club for giving me the chance to represent them in what has been an amazing journey,” said Fisher.
“I want to say a thank-you to Neil, the board and the coaching staff because I’ve grown up with this club. Justin gave me the opportunity and has put faith in me to enable me to achieve what I’ve achieved, so I owe a special thanks to him.
“I want to finish the season on a high in my last game at Craven Park and it’s going to be an emotional week for me knowing that it’s going to be the last time I’ll play in front of the fans as a home player, and I want to thank them as well.
“It has been fantastic playing in front of them week-in, week-out and what I will say is the there’s no way I’m leaving that field on Saturday as a loser. I’m certain we’ve still got another five games in us and we can achieve something special.”
Robins Chairman Neil Hudgell paid tribute to the departing duo.
“Clint’s reasons for wanting to return home now are perfectly understandable and given his exemplary service to the club over the last four years we were prepared to grant him a release,” said Hudgell.
“I would personally like to wish him and his partner Carly the very best of luck with the remaining years of his career and I know he leaves here with everyone’s very best wishes having played his part in the development of the club over the last four years.
“Whilst it is far from ideal for the team and club to be releasing a player of Clint’s qualities I think it is equally important to recognise his contribution to the club and act accordingly.
“I would sincerely like to thank Ben for his years of loyal service to the cause.”He has been with us since the start of our National League journey and will always have an important part in our recent history being recognised as our first Super League centurion.
“I think Ben is a champion bloke as well as a great player and the way he conducts himself away from the park is a great credit to him and his family.
“I am sure everyone will look forward to giving Ben the sort of send off he deserves at Craven Park on Saturday.”