Hull KR captain refreshed ahead of resumption v Warrington Wolves

The 35-year-old will return to action with the Robins against Warrington Wolves tonight, in what will be just his second competitive appearance of the year.

The New Zealander injured his ankle and subsequently underwent surgery following a pre-season defeat at Wakefield Trinity in January.

He returned for KR’s final outing before the coronavirus outbreak as the Robins recorded a Challenge Cup victory over Leigh Centurions.

The KR captain made his professional debut with Parramatta Eels in 2007 but could still play on next year, if he feels up to the task.

“I am probably going to see how the body feels towards the end of the season,” said Hauraki.

“If the body is feeling pretty good, then I am keen to go again.

“With my injury at the start of the season and with the weeks we had off, I am feeling really fresh. I am looking forward to seeing how I finish at the end of the year.”

The Robins have 11 players out of contract at the end of the campaign, with the majority of those players set to play a part against the Wolves.

Greg Minikin, Harvey Livett and Anesu Mudoti are KR’s injury concerns and Hauraki feels a mostly-fit squad is providing strong competition for places.

“I think we have got almost a full-strength team back and that does help,” he added.

“It keeps the boys that are playing honest because they know they have players behind them that are pushing for the same spot. It is really good to have a healthy squad because it makes you play better.”

Tonight’s fixture will be Warrington’s first outing since March with the majority of Super League sides having just three weeks of training to get back up to speed.

Hauraki expects most teams to be slightly below par but insists the Robins are ready to get their season back underway.

He said: “All the boys are up for the challenge. Every team has had the same training, so I think everyone is going to be a bit rusty. We will see once everybody gets out there and see how we go.

“Whatever they throw at us we need to throw back at them and keep them on their heels defensively.

“All the games are going to be quick. We just want to go out there and play and throw as much as we can at every team we face and throw the ball around a bit.”

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