BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Hull KR will not be signing Melbourne Storm front-rower Josh King.
It has been rumoured that the Robins were keen to lure King across to Super League for next season.
However, Hull KR officials have told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads that the prop will not be joining their club.
King played for Melbourne in the 2025 NRL grand final and is contracted to the Storm until the end of the 2027 season. The 30-year-old was a regular for Melbourne this year, making 26 NRL appearances.
Hull KR coach Willie Peters is familiar with King after his time on the Newcastle Knights coaching staff. King came through the Newcastle pathway and spent six years in the Knights’ first-grade squad, from 2016 to 2021, before joining the Storm.
But Robins officials have confirmed their interest in North Queensland forward Karl Lawton.
According to reports, the Cowboys have allowed Lawton to explore his options but have yet to grant him a release.
Lawton, a 30-year-old who can play hooker, lock and second-row, is contracted to North Queensland for 2026.
He made 11 appearances for the Cowboys this year.
Hull KR are in the market for an edge forward after Kelepi Tanginoa left to join Warrington.
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