Robins sign Donaldson from Bulls

Hull Kingston Rovers have confirmed that James Donaldson will be joining the club on a two-year deal from next season.

The current Bradford Bulls backrower, 22, believes that the move will benefit his career, and he is looking forward to working with Rovers coach Chris Chester.

“I feel like I’ve progressed a lot over the last few years but I know I’ve got a lot more to give. I feel the best place to do that is at Hull Kingston Rovers,” said the player.

“I’ve been at Bradford for seven years now and I needed a new challenge. I’m ready to be taken out of my comfort zone and hopefully something fresh will spark me up.

“I’ll be working with new players, new coaches and new ideas, it’s a totally clean start for me to come here and I can’t wait for it.

“I’ve met with Chezzy and I’ve liked what he said. The strongest part of my game is my defence and Chezzy wants me to come here and help tighten the middle up a bit.

“At the same time, he wants me to play with the ball which I haven’t always had the opportunity to do over the past couple of years at Bradford. I’ll work hard in this off season on that and hopefully I’ll make some strides for next year.”

Chester, meanwhile, believes that the Cumbrian forward is similar in style to former Rovers favourite Scott Murrell.

“James is exactly the sort of player that we want to bring to the club in that he is young, hungry and works very hard at his game.

“I would liken him to Scott Murrell in that he does all the little things that sometimes go unnoticed by supporters but that are always appreciated by coaches and teammates.

“He’s got a good engine on him, he plays big minutes and he doesn’t miss many tackles, so he’ll be a great fit for us.”