Not quite getting the first-grade exposure he was after in the NRL with the St George Illawarra Dragons, Adam Quinlan has opted to return to England, signing a deal with Hull KR.
The recently relegated team has signed the utility back on a 2-year deal and whilst that surprised Quinlan, he knows that Hull KR are still a big club and he is excited to don the jersey.
“I feel very privileged to be offered the opportunity to come and play for Hull KR,” Quinlan said.
“When I played in Super League a couple of seasons ago, Rovers were a big team and they still are so it’s a great opportunity for me to come over and represent a good club.
“It came as a bit of a shock to me to hear they had been relegated but from what I’ve heard I think we’ve got what it takes to bounce back and get the club back into Super League where they belong. I’m truly excited to help do that.”
Quinlan, who had a previous stint in England with St Helens, looks forward to the new adventure and believes that the style of play suits him more than the NRL.
“I really enjoyed my time over in the UK the last time I was there so this was a no-brainer for me when I got the offer,” he said.
“The style of play over there suits my game a lot more. There’s a lot of offloads and it’s more free-flowing, so it really benefits how I like to play.
“It’s not going to be ideal coming over a bit later in pre-season but I’m sure my time over there before will stand me in good stead. Hopefully, I’ll get used to things pretty quickly.”
Set to be coached by top Australian coach Tim Sheens, Quinlan looks forward to working under him.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Tim as well,” said Quinlan.
“I’ve never played under him before but he was another big factor in me coming over. I’ve played with a few guys who have been coached by him and I’ve heard nothing but good things.
He’s a Grand Final winner in the NRL and an international coach so he knows what he’s doing and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from him.”
Sheens himself praised the new signing, highlighting the versatility that Quinlan provides.
“Adam’s speed will be really important for us as well as his experience out the back,” the veteran coach said.
“He’s a good talker who organises the line and he’s played in the halves too. That’s what you want from your number one, somebody who can move the ball and provide another option.
“He’s had a great year winning the State Cup in New South Wales and then beating the Queensland side to be Australian champions. He’s been in good form and he’ll be a great fit for us with the style we want to play.”