Bailey swaps Leeds for Hull KR

RyanBailey

Bailey joined Leeds' academy in 1998 and since making his debut in 2002, has since gone on to rack up 313 appearances for the club.

He is also one of the Super League's most decorated players, having won six Grand Finals, three World Club Challenge titles and one Challenge Cup with the Rhinos - for whom he earned a testimonial earlier this year.

Though conceding it was tricky to leave Headingley, Bailey is excited for the challenge that lies ahead at Craven Park - where Leeds will visit on Super League XX's opening weekend.

"I've achieved a lot of things at Leeds over a 14-year period but I'm ready for a new challenge at Hull KR," said the 30-year-old.

"It was a difficult decision to leave Leeds, I was born in the city and I've won some great finals with the club but now I want to bring some of that experience to Rovers. It's going to be a big challenge but I’m looking forward to it and I'll be meeting it head on.

"The fans are really passionate and hopefully we can breed a winning culture and start getting to finals. We've got some really ambitious players who want to win things here at Hull KR and hopefully I can add to that and bring a bit of grunt up front.

"We've got a big game at the start of the season against Leeds and that will be a perfect way to hopefully make my debut. I know from experience that the ground is a daunting place to go to, it's tough for opposition teams and we've got to make the most of that.

"I know the ins and outs of all the players at Leeds so hopefully I can pass on a few things to Chezzy [coach Chris Chester] and we can get a win first game of the season to get us up and running."

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