Rovers confident time is right for club stalwart Chester

Hull KR have appointed Chris Chester as the club’s head coach on a three-year contract.
Chris Chester is the new full-time head coach of Hull KR.Chris Chester is the new full-time head coach of Hull KR.
Chris Chester is the new full-time head coach of Hull KR.

The former Robins player and assistant coach was placed in temporary charge in July following the departure of Craig Sandercock.

Impressing in the role in recent weeks, he has now been rewarded by the board of directors with the opportunity to lead the squad on a permanent basis.

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Chester, who takes charge for his first derby at Hull FC on Friday, said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s a dream come true for me and I’m going to do my utmost to get this side back to where it belongs.

“It’s been a testing period over the last six weeks with some ups and downs but I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity.

“I’ve not been afraid to make the big decisions, I’ve been honest with the players and they’ve been honest with me in return, so hopefully that will continue.”

The ex-Halifax, Wigan and Hull FC player, 35, has worked with Justin Morgan and Sandercock over the past six seasons.

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Hull KR’s chief executive Mike Smith added: “It’s always been the plan to bring somebody through the ranks to one day take over as head coach and Chris has started very well in the role.

“He is somebody who understands the club and the squad of players he will be working with, but more importantly he is a young British coach who is ready for this position and responsibility. Chris has served as assistant to two head coaches during his time with the club and he’s played at the highest level under some fantastic coaches as well.”

Bradford Bulls have signed young hooker Vila Halafihi from Penrith Panthers.

A former Leeds Rhinos academy player, he has spent the past 12 months playing in Australia for the NRL club’s Under-20s side, coached by legendary ex-Kangaroos stand-off Trent Barrett.

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Hull-born Halafihi, 20, said: “Coming home is a big step forward for my career, after a really exciting and challenging year with the Panthers. I am a massive Bradford Bulls fan, so feel absolutely privileged to have signed for such a great club.

“Bradford was the first team I ever supported and I want to play a part in helping return the club to its former glory.”

Bradford coach James Lowes knows Halafihi from his time at Headingley. “He comes with an impressive pedigree for someone of his age,” said Lowes.