Karl Lawton drawn by Hull KR's growing stature as he reveals Super League clubs he rejected

The Robins are no longer feeding off scraps in the recruitment world – they have fast become one of the most attractive options.

Take Karl Lawton, an established NRL performer who counts New Zealand Warriors and Manly Sea Eagles among his former clubs.

The Australian had interest from Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons in the past but it was only when Rovers came calling that he decided to make the move to Super League.

For a club drifting between divisions not so long ago, it is a striking measure of their recent rise.

"I was at training with the Cowboys when the opportunity came up," said Lawton. "I wanted to take it straight away.

"I rang my partner and she was on board with it all. We both wanted to make the change.

"I've had a few opportunities to come over here in the past and knocked them back because I was still happy to stay in the NRL. Leeds were a chance back in the day and Catalans were an option as well.

"When this opportunity popped up, it's such a good club and team. The opportunity was too good to turn down.

"With the success they've had, it was a no-brainer. They train so hard, great coaches, great players – it's the best decision I've made."

Rovers began changing perceptions even before last year's remarkable treble feat.

The switch in mindset internally can be traced back to the signing of Shaun Kenny-Dowall at the end of 2019.

The decorated former New Zealand international helped transform the culture at Craven Park, setting the wheels in motion for arguably Super League's greatest success story.

Kenny-Dowall played an important role in recruiting Jared Waerea-Hargreaves but the Hull KR brand now commands respect of its own.

Rovers' transformation has been a combined effort, guided by a coach whose influence reaches far beyond Craven Park.

"It's on the back of Willie Peters, too," added Lawton. "He carries a lot of weight over there.

"It's a growing club. With the recruitment they've done, it's definitely raised eyebrows in Australia.

"Everybody can see they're onto something here."

As one of only three senior recruits for 2026, Lawton has been tasked with keeping the wheel turning.

The 30-year-old swapped the sultry weather of North Queensland for the Craven Park microclimate just after Christmas – a move that would test the hardiest of souls.

But while most of KR's front-line players watched from the sidelines, Lawton threw himself straight into the recent friendly against Wakefield Trinity.

"The weather has been a bit of a change but it's been a good transition," he said.

"The thing I took from that game is that we've got good youth. It was a pretty young squad we had and Wakey had a pretty strong squad. I think it surprised everyone how well we competed.

"The young fellas really stepped up. They're a pretty strong bunch."

Lawton started that trial game in the back row but has spent much of his career at hooker – the kind of versatility that makes him a valuable asset for the Robins.

Like any new signing, he is prepared to earn his stripes.

"I'm happy to play any position as long as I'm in the 17 and contributing to the team," said Lawton. "That's my role and I'm happy to do that."

As initiations go, few could match the unusual start Lawton faces – from an amateur club in the Challenge Cup to the mighty Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge.

Rovers also have the small matter of a Super League opener in front of a packed house at York Knights and a trip to Las Vegas to take on Leeds.

"The World Club Challenge is a huge deal because they don't come around very often," said Lawton.

"It was pretty exciting when I signed and realised what was coming up for Hull KR. That was another incentive to come over here.

"It'll be a tough game against Brisbane. Both teams will be running strong so it'll be a good test for us.

"It's a busy month and a bit overwhelming, to be honest. We're going from one big thing to another. It's a very cool experience and a privilege to be a part of."

The opening month provides the perfect test of KR's ability to go again.

Lawton has been encouraged by the early signs as he looks to join in the fun.

"Wembley and Old Trafford are iconic stadiums – even back in Oz, everybody knows them," he said.

"It'd be a really big privilege to play at those stadiums and experience what the guys experienced last year.

"The good thing is that you wouldn't even know they've won the treble the way they act and rip into training.

"It's quite rare to have that success and be this hungry after it. It's a credit to the club."