#DrinkwaterAnnounced

Hull Kingston Rovers can today confirm the signing of Australian play-maker Josh Drinkwater, on a one-year deal ahead of the 2019 Super League Season.

Drinkwater who plays as a half-back, will be familiar to supporters after him having spells with London Broncos, Leigh Centurions and more recently, Catalans Dragons where he helped them to Challenge Cup success.

Starting his career with St George Illawarra Dragons in 2013, before leaving to head to London Broncos, where he spent the 2014 season, featuring for the Broncos 24 times, Drinkwater then returned to the NRL in 2015 playing for Wests Tigers before moving back to the UK with Leigh Centurions for the 2016/17 seasons, who he then left for Catalans Dragons mid-way through 2018.

It was at the Dragons where Drinkwater’s form really caught the eye and he helped them reach the Challenge Cup final with them going on to lift the first ever trophy in the Perpignan club’s history.

Speaking to hullkr.co.uk Drinkwater commented “I can’t wait to get over there and get started with training with the season now pretty much only around the corner, which is pretty exciting.

“I had offers from other clubs, but Tim Sheens was a big contributing factor to me choosing Hull KR, growing up in Australia he was the Australia Head Coach and after speaking to him on the phone about the club, I really felt like the club is building towards taking the next big step and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

“I’ve played at KCOM Craven Park before and when you play there you certainly know you are playing an away game, so I imagine it’s a great atmosphere to play in front of as a home team and I’m very excited to get out there and play in front of the fans.”

On the addition of Drinkwater, Head Coach Tim Sheens added “Josh will obviously add great depth to our halves which is important for us in what is a long season, especially with what happened last year with Danny McGuire being out for a fair amount of the season where we really struggled to replace him.

“On the back of a great season for Catalans Josh brings us experience, a good kicking game, goal kicking and the depth to the squad which leaves me feeling comfortable that we have enough in the halves to get us through the season.

“He is a player we have been looking at and discussing for a while so I’m very happy to finally get it over the line.”

The signing of Josh was also helped by the Rovers Supporters Group, who once again have assisted in the club signing a high-profile player, following on from the assistance they provided to the signings of Chris Atkin, Mose Masoe and Junior Vaivai amongst others. Hull KR CEO Mike Smith commented “I would just like to thank the RSG members and their committee for once again assisting us with the signing of a player, the support they provide the club with each year is very much appreciated.”

Josh is due to land in England on the 3rd January and will link up with the squad to begin his pre-season straight away.