Hull KR have confirmed the signing of Brisbane Broncos’ prop Rhys Kennedy on a two-year deal from 2023.

After making his NRL debut in March 2019 for South Sydney Rabbitohs, the 27-year-old has gone on to make 43 NRL appearances for Souths and Brisbane Broncos.

Known for his tackle busts and second-phase offloads, the 6’5 prop heads to Sewell Group Craven Park as Willie Peters’ first official signing for next season.

Kennedy has made 5 NRL appearances so far in 2022, starring in a resurgent Broncos’ side looking to climb up the NRL ladder. During his time with the Queensland club, the Moruya-born forward has amassed an impressive 97.2% tackle completion rate while the Broncos have only lost once this year with Kennedy in the side’s engine room.

While the prop’s eyes are still firmly on finishing his time in Brisbane with playoff rugby, Kennedy is excited to begin his new challenge with Hull KR in 2023: “I’m really excited for the opportunity. It’s going to be a big change, but I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture at Hull KR.

“The deal to join Hull KR was reasonably quick. I know Willie Peters, he coached me at South Sydney Rabbitohs, he was on the phone to me pretty quick to get a deal done. He gets to work really quickly! I’m really looking forward to coming over and meeting the guys.

 
I’m really looking forward to playing some consistent football and cementing a spot at Hull KR. That’s the number one goal for me. It’s a great opportunity for me to get better as a player, that was a really appealing part of coming over.”

Hull KR’s Head Coach from 2023, Willie Peters was delighted to sign Kennedy up for next season: “It’s great to have Rhys on board for next year. We worked together in 2019 when he was at the Rabbitohs.

Rhys’ biggest strengths are his size and power. We looked at that for next year’s recruitment and Rhys will give us that. He carries the ball really strong and has good footwork, he’ll be hard to handle in that aspect. That’s what I’ve liked since Rhys joined the Broncos, his development into an aggressive front-rower. I’m looking forward to working with him again.

“We wanted to bring over players with their best footy is still ahead of them and Rhys is ready to go to that next level. Super League will suit his game. The players that are coming over will help to take the club to the next level.

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of Hull KR. The aim is to win trophies, it’s exciting for me as a coach, the players already at Hull KR and those coming in for next season.