Hull KR sign Huddersfield Giants hooker Keal Carlile
Last updated on .From the section Rugby League
Hull KR have made their eighth close-season signing by bringing in young hooker Keal Carlile on a two-year deal following his release by Huddersfield.
The 21-year-old ex-Bradford player provides competition for Josh Hodgson and fellow new man Lincoln Withers.
Rovers have already signed Ryan O'Hara, Misi Taulapapa, George Griffin, Graeme Horne and David Hodgson.
And they have awarded a new one-year deal to young front rower James Green, their Under-20s player of the year.
"I've seen some footage of James and he's certainly a fair size," said new Rovers coach Craig Sandercock.
"Being in a full-time environment as part of the first team squad will be of huge benefit to him. If he applies himself in the right way and does the right things then he could become a very good player.
"As for Keal, he is only young but he is a quality player with enormous potential.
"He's had a taste of first team rugby at Huddersfield and I know their coach Nathan Brown has a good rap on him."
After making two Super League appearances at Bradford in his debut season in 2008, Carlile moved to the Galpharm Stadium.
He made one outing from the bench in 2009 after his move to the Giants, and did not figure at all in 2010, when he went out on loan to Barrow.
But he made a dream start this season when he scored on his full debut for Huddersfield in their opening day Magic Weekend win over Warrington.
After suffering severe fatigue, he was then advised to undergo surgery to reapir a faulty heart valve, but is now fully recovered and looking for a fresh start at Craven Park.
"It's an exciting new era and I am glad to be a part of it," said Carlile.
"The signings that Hull KR have made, along with the new coach and the good young players that they have already got, bodes well for the future.
"I know there's going to be stiff competition for the number nine spot but it's a long season, people get injured and it's important we stick together as a squad."
