I am absolutely delighted that the RFL have announced that Hull KR have been awarded an Elite Academy Licence for 5 years until 2027.

When Hull KR were told last year that their licence would be scrapped, I was outraged, and wrote to the RFL to express the dismay of everyone in East Hull at the short-sighted decision which would have damaged the prospects of both our young local talents and the sport as a whole in Hull.

A probationary licence for 2022-23 was granted, and I believe today’s announcement vindicates the decision to allow Hull KR to continue developing our youngsters and bringing through the next generation.

I pay tribute to everyone at the club for the way that this situation has been handled, and for the phenomenal work they do in our community, both on and off the pitch.