In what has been an impressive recruitment drive for Hull KR to date, they have added yet another solid name to their list – with the signing of former Warrington Wolves forward, Tyrone McCarthy.
Signing a 2-year deal with the club from the 2015 season, McCarthy has enjoyed a so far stellar season in Australia’s Intrust Super Cup – or, Queensland Cup – playing for the Northern Pride.
Adept at playing anywhere across the forward pack, McCarthy, an Irish international, says he is grateful for his Australian experience and cannot wait to get back to playing in England.
It’s been a great experience playing in Australia and it’s going to leave me in good stead coming back to Super League with Hull KR,†McCarthy said.
“I could have stayed at Warrington this year and been comfortable but I wanted a challenge. I’ve developed physically and I’ll be coming back bigger, stronger and probably the fittest I’ve ever felt.
“I’ve been playing back row this year and that’s been good for me in terms of my execution of plays and getting my hands on the ball, but I’ve played a lot of my career in that middle part of the park too.
With Hull KR keen to succeed moving forward, the foresight, vision and desire to be a top side were the areas that impressed McCarthy most after talking with Hull KR coach, Chris Chester.
“Speaking to Chris, what really attracted me to coming here was being part of what the club is trying to achieve. Whenever I’ve played against Hull KR in the past, it’s always been a tough place to come to but the consistency has probably let them down a little bit,” said McCarthy.
“With all the new boys that are coming in for next season, everybody is wanting to kick on their own career but the recipe is there to build something for the club and fans as well. We want to create that culture where just competing isn’t good enough and we want to be striving for success ourselves.â€
With McCarthy the sixth signing for Hull KR so far, the club are pleased to have signed the Irish international, particularly straight after current forward Rhys Lovegrove opted to return home.
“Tyrone gives us plenty of options in the forward pack next season and he’s a player who is comfortable playing either through the middle or on an edge,” said Chester.
“With us losing Rhys Lovegrove for next year, he’s a like for like replacement and he brings big game experience. Tyrone’s at the age where he is about to enter his prime as a forward and he’s had big raps over in Australia for his professionalism both on and off the field, so he’ll be a good fit for us.
“He’s come through a good system over at Warrington too so he’ll really add to the sort of culture we want to be creating in the squad and we’re thrilled he’s come onboard.â€