George King decision confirmed by Hull KR with view on 'respect' given
Hull Kingston Rovers have confirmed that George King will leave the club at the end of this season, with coach Willie Peters saying that the player is "well respected".
The forward has not featured in the past 10 rounds of Super League having previously been regularly seen earlier in the campaign. The Ireland captain made his debut for the club in 2020 and has made 95 appearances for them, winning the Roger Millward Player of the Season in 2022..
Peters said in his press conference, ahead of Friday's match against Leeds Rhinos, that he is "not a coach that will not pick a player who is not here next year" and spoke about honesty between player and club. That has been followed by today's confirmation that King is one of those exiting at the end of the season.
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In a statement announcing the departure of King, Peters stated: "George has played an important role in the club’s successes over the past five years, he’s a quality person and a well-respected member of our team. On behalf of Hull KR, I’d like to thank George for his services to the club and wish him, Gabrielle and their children all the best for the future."
In that statement, King said: "It’s been an incredible journey meeting so many amazing people at the heart of the club. Joining the club at the end of the lockdown and seeing where we are now, both on and off the field, fills me with great pride.
"The amount of hard work put in by so many people makes leaving all the more difficult. But with the club’s decision and direction and my family being my priority, I believe it’s best for me to leave with proud memories and no regrets. My family and I have loved every minute of this experience, and we can’t thank the club staff, players, and the fans, enough. Robin #1265."
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