Friday 12 December 2014 07:49, UK
Hull KR have signed experienced Australian playmaker Terry Campese from Canberra Raiders for next season.
The versatile stand-off - the nephew of Australian rugby union legend David - has been released from the final year of his Raiders contract to enable him to make the move to Super League.
Campese, who had initially been linked with a move to Salford, becomes the Robins' 13th new signing for the 2015 campaign, subject to the necessary clearance being received.
Hull KR’s signing of Campese will help fill the void left by the departure of co-captain Josh Hodgson after the England hooker left to join Canberra at the end of last season.
"Terry is a true professional who has played at the very highest level and he'll bring a wealth of knowledge to the squad next year,” said Hull KR coach Chris Chester.
"We've lost a bit of experience from last season and it was important we brought in players with leadership qualities to complement a young and exciting crop of players at the club.
I've been at the Raiders my whole career but it's time to move on. This is a new challenge for me and one I'm really looking forward to.
"It's no secret that we've been in the market for a hooker and while we haven't quite been able to get a deal over the line, we're more than happy to run with what we've got in that position and bringing in a playmaker of Terry's calibre was an opportunity we couldn't afford to pass up.
"He gives us some strength in depth and competition for places in the halves and his experience will take the pressure off Albert Kelly in particular and free him up to play his natural game."
Campese was in Australia's World Cup squad for the 2008 tournament and represented New South Wales in State of Origin.
He has captained the Raiders for the last three seasons but a series of injuries restricted his appearances last campaign.
"I've been at the Raiders my whole career but it's time to move on. This is a new challenge for me and one I'm really looking forward to,” said Campese.
"I've signed up for one year which was a big thing for me. I'd like to stay longer than that as I feel I've got some good footy left in me, but it's down to me to prove that.
“I want to come over there, play the best football I can and hopefully be successful with Hull KR."
