Hull KR confirm "big and tough" decision on forward swap deal with Warrington Wolves

Hull Kingston Rovers have completed a swap deal in a “big and tough call” which sees them sign Warrington Wolves forward Luis Johnson with England prop Robbie Mulhern heading the other way.
Hull KR's Robbie Mulhern has joined Warrington Wolves. (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)Hull KR's Robbie Mulhern has joined Warrington Wolves. (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)
Hull KR's Robbie Mulhern has joined Warrington Wolves. (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

Leeds-born second-row Johnson, 21, has joned on a one-year deal having impressed during a loan spell at Rovers in 2019.

Mulhern’s departure may come as a surprise; he is one of the East Yorkshire club’s leading forwards and debuted for his country two years ago.

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Nevertheless, Robins coach Tony Smith believes it is good business on both fronts.

“Luis had a brief time with us before and he showed plenty of promise there,” said the former Great Britain chief.

“He’s got great potential and he’s looking for the opportunity for some game time.

“He can play anywhere in the pack, that’s part of the appeal for us.

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“He can develop into a good middle player and he can also play on the edge. He’s going to strengthen us and give us more options and more depth.

Warrington Wolves' Luis Johnson in action against Castleford Tigers. (ISABEL PEARCE/SWPIX)Warrington Wolves' Luis Johnson in action against Castleford Tigers. (ISABEL PEARCE/SWPIX)
Warrington Wolves' Luis Johnson in action against Castleford Tigers. (ISABEL PEARCE/SWPIX)

“He can bust the line and also do some of the hard graft. We’re looking forward to him developing into that kind of player.

“I think a lot of people have recognised him in the game for becoming that kind of talent.

“He’s great to work with, ambitious and a nice young fella, he’s got the ability to become a very good, athletic player. He likes hard work and doesn’t shy away from it.”

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Ex-Leeds Rhinos front-row Mulhern, 26, has been granted an early release from his contract with Rovers where he had established himself as a top Super League forward.

But Smith explained: “This opportunity has arisen for him and one that he was interested in taking.

“Because of what we get back in part of the deal in terms of Luis, that has been a big part of it; we didn’t want to lose a forward and not gain anything.

“It’s a great opportunity and probably at the right time for Robbie. “Through his own admission, he probably hasn’t hit the heights of a few seasons ago and he’s probably ready for a different challenge and a different club.

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“We were open to talk and listen to what options were available – we were happy for that to go ahead.

“By that deal happening, that allows us to keep going a little more in our recruitment drive also.

“Sometimes these things come to you and you have to consider how it can help, as well as accounting for something that you’re losing too. “We’ve had to make a big call and a tough call, but we feel it’s probably worked out best for all.”