Ex-Hull KR and New Zealand player Webster has powerful message on Waerea-Hargreaves signing

Former Hull Kingston Rovers and New Zealand player Jake Webster - now Keighley Cougars head coach - thinks Jared Waerea-Hargreaves' transfer is "probably the best bit of business that a Super League team has done in a long time".

Webster reckons there is not a player better suited to the Hull derby in Super League than Waerea-Hagreaves. The Kiwi prop, formerly of Sydney Roosters, is due to start his pre-season programme with Rovers on Thursday ahead of his debut for the club in 2025.

Webster said: "He's aggressive, he's very cultural, he is physical, he was feared in the NRL and he brings a really good culture to whatever group he is involved in. And people say you can't buy experience - but Rovers have!

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"I think it's probably the best bit of business that a Super League team has done in a long time. He has still got plenty of miles left in the tank. He can still do a job in the NRL. I think they've got a really good player and human for the group.

"You can see the ambition in the club - and to bring someone in of the calibre of Jared just proves the intent that they've got of winning trophies. The squad they've already got as well, and they are just adding. They've got the funds and culture and it all seems to be falling into place really well."

Speaking about the derby against Hull FC, Webster said: "My first derby that I played, beforehand I didn't know much about it and I saw photos of fans invading the pitch previously and I've gone 'wow, what am I doing!?' But the first time I played it, I really got the sense of how important it was to the city, to each side, and to the game. Those games probably left the biggest imprint on my life.

"I don't think there's a better suited player in the country at the moment than Jared to the derby! I'm really looking forward to seeing him. When I saw the signing I thought it was April Fool's, just because of the calibre of player he is and I didn't think he'd come over. When I found out it was true, it's nothing but kudos to the people that made it happen, and he'll do great things for the red and whites."

Webster's time at Rovers has helped lead him to the path of being a key figure at Keighley now, saying: "My time at Rovers really made this feel like home. And I owe a lot to Hull KR for putting their faith in me and I loved their fans, they were outstanding.

"These days I'm enjoying not feeling sore every week! But I'm enjoying still being involved in rugby league. I've learned a lot in my time I've been retired, about the running of a club, working closely with Steve (Watkinson, Chief Operating Officer). I've found that the field is home to me.

"Steve has given me a purpose - as he always jokes about! - to get out on the field and coach and I've always wanted to coach. I didn't expect it to come so soon but I'm really looking forward to seeing where this takes me and developing my coaching skills and the club and the team."

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