JWH on getting the job done

It’s almost time to see the legendary Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in action with Hull KR, who is more than ready for the Robins rollercoaster.

A proven leader at the highest level, a hard-working JWH will look to instantly impose his presence in the Robins’ pack – and hopes he can be a part of something special with Willie Peters’ side this year.

JWH in Red and White ?‍??

#UpTheRobins ??? pic.twitter.com/a1d2fcARRj

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) November 14, 2024

Hull KR, who made history in 2024 with a second-place finish and maiden Grand Final appearance, landed JWH’s sensational signature last February, but the time has quickly come round for him to pull on the Red & White.

And JWH is feeling right at home in the City of Hull, admitting it would have only ever been – and was always – Hull KR:

“I’ve been doing pre-season a very long time and it was always going to be a physical challenge as you get to my age,” said the 36-year-old powerhouse.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it so far. It’s been refreshing for myself and my family. It helps when you come to a place with great culture. The lads are unreal, and they’ve been playing some great footy over the past couple of seasons, so it always helps when things are going good.”

“The people at Hull KR make it a great place to be. My kids are settled, and my wife is enjoying it.”

Settling into his new surroundings ??

JWH is in the house ?#UpTheRobins ??? pic.twitter.com/hSUtZqWeO3

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) November 13, 2024

“I always knew it was always going to be cold though! We trained a few weeks ago and it was zero degrees. I was saying to some of the players that this is the coldest climate I’ve ever trained in. But it’s new and fun at the same time.

“It was always going to be Hull KR if I signed over here.”

JWH is a renowned prop forward, having captured ten major honours in his illustrious 16-year NRL career with Sydney Roosters and won everything available during this time.

He has also made an impressive 33 appearances for the New Zealand national side.

But despite being one of the biggest names in the game, JWH remains admirably humble and recognises what his new club have already been achieving:

“I’ve got a fair bit of experience, but I just want to be a positive addition to what they’ve been building on the last couple of seasons,” said JWH.

“It’s about doing my role both on and off the field. I want to enjoy being in that environment as well as helping with the leadership on the field. I’m looking forward to supporting our other leaders within the team.

“My best friend is Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who captained the club and now is one of the coaches there. I’ve heard great stories about the club.

“I’m really privileged to be here and I’m looking forward to a great challenge. It’s going to be a long season but I’m looking forward to getting to know people on a personal level and just what it means to everyone.

“I’m excited and happy to be here.”

As JWH alluded to, pre-seasons are always arduous and long for all involved, especially with everyone raring to go ahead of Round 1 in less than two weeks’ time:

“There becomes a point in pre-season where you want to stop tackling your own teammates and start tackling some others!” he admitted.

“All that hard work you’ve been putting in - you want to see where it’s at on the pitch. The conditions are going to be tough for the first few months, but I’m looking forward to each week as it comes and taking it all in.”

The Robins captured the eyes of many last season – not only with their attractive brand of Rugby League, but their electrifying and consistently sold-out Sewell Group Craven Park.

And with Craven Park set to be rocking in Round 1 when they welcome Castleford Tigers on Friday 14 February, JWH is already in awe of the fans he has stumbled upon since his arrival:

“I’ve met some fans already and to hear kids who are my daughters’ ages talk so passionately is amazing. Finding out from fans about how it runs through their family too - I spoke to some elderly members who spoke of how they’d been coming here for years and what the club means to them.

“I probably didn’t expect it to be what it is, and I can only imagine what Craven Park is like on game day when it’s full.

“I’m definitely looking forward to my family experiencing that.

“I’ve also heard all about the derby and how it’s two teams representing one city and what this to the fans. There’s clearly a lot of history there which is what makes the game so great.

“That’s why we play these games and people come and watch the games.”

Speaking openly, JWH commented on the importance of taking in every moment that 2025 has in store, as he never knows which season could be his last:

“Knowing it’s going to be one of my last seasons, I just personally want to enjoy every moment.

“I want to enjoy everything this year has to offer and not look too far ahead. I’ll enjoy each day as it comes.

“When you’ve been involved in the game for such a long time, you often forget about taking the time to enjoy those little wins and moments.

“I’ll find the positive in most things. Then at the end of the year, we’d love the big picture things such as trophies and finals.

"But for now, we need to work hard.”

Will you be following JWH and the Robins in 2025?

Watch Hull KR v Castleford Tigers on Friday 14 February, live on Sky Sports (K.O. 8pm).

Tickets are available for this fixture online both club’s official websites – Robins / Tigers