Hull KR made Brock Parker their fourth signing for 2027

Hull KR are slowly but surely bringing the average age of Nathan Cayless' first-team squad down.

The Robins had already made three signings ahead of the new season but on Saturday morning they confirmed their fourth addition in the shape of front-rower Brock Parker.

Cayless knows the middle well having worked with him at Parramatta Eels, bringing him through the youth ranks and into the club's New South Wales Cup squad.

As such, he knows all about the ability and potential he possesses and the head coach will be confident about what Parker can add to Rovers' pack.

He's untested at the level for now of course, but one thing Parker does immediately is bring the average age of the Rovers squad down.

That's been one of the major recruitment goals for the Robins this year and with the four signings they've made, such a goal is clear to see.

Parker and Moala Graham-Taufa are both 24, while Eddie Hampson turns 24 in January and Salesi Ataata does the same in February.

These aren't young players, but they all have their best years in the game ahead of them and with respect, that's something that can't be said for a several members of KR's squad.

The experience KR have to offer has been pivotal to the club's success over the last couple of years, but the average age of the side was potentially one of the major reasons why their form fell off towards the back end of last season, with aging legs being pushed to their limits.

The likes of Sauaso Sue and Dean Hadley turn 35 next season, Peta Hiku is closing in on 34, while Karl Lawton, Elliot Minchella, Sam Luckley, Tyrone May, Jordan Dezaria and Oliver Gildart are all in their 30s and Tom Davies and Tom Amone will be joining them in 2027.

Indeed, the only player under the age of 25 to play more than three games in a KR shirt last season was Noah Booth, who made just six outings.

Bringing down that average age has been a clear objective for KR in the recruitment market then, as they strive to provide Cayless with an injection of fresh blood.

All four players fit the bill in that regard and they can expect to feature heavily under Cayless whenever the competitive action gets underway.

Parker is just the latest example of that strategy and he arrives with plenty of promise having caught the eye in the reserve grade for the last three years down under.

The prop, who can also play loose-forward, has made 75 appearances in the New South Wales and Queensland Cups since 2023 and 53 of those came under Cayless at the Eels.

He spent last season with Sunshine Coast Falcons, where he scored two tries in 22 outings. He also made 34 tackle breaks, 592 tackles, 983.5 post contact metres and 2471m altogether.

He often played big minutes for the Falcons, too, registering 55 minutes or more on the field on 12 occasions.

The proof will be in the pudding, but Parker certainly seems to tick a number of boxes for Cayless and KR as they prepare for 2027.