Campese in Hull KR’s sights

Hull KR are trying to tempt Canberra Raiders halfback Terry Campese to East Yorkshire, club chief executive Mike Smith has confirmed.

With Travis Burns and Kris Keating having departed Rovers, the search for new halfbacks is urgent for the Robins.

“He’s been there, done it and got the t-shirt, so we’ve got a tick in the box there,” Smith said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“We look at the player, the family background, the history, the age, the injuries, all those factors before we go for a player.

“There’s not many young guys who can command the park like he could, he’s got huge experience and age isn’t a barrier because we’ve seen players playing to 34-35.

“He’s on quite a long list of players. I can’t rule him out but I can’t say it’s anything other than initial inquiries, to be honest, about a number of players.”

Smith also confirmed that former Robins coach Justin Morgan, who was assistant coach at Canberra recently, has been discussing possible options with new Rovers coach Chris Chester.

“Justin’s been speaking with coach Chris Chester about what players might do well here,” Smith said.

“The Super League is a different game to the NRL, a player who may be a bit player in the NRL could come over and be a superstar in the Super League.

“We’ve lost Travis Burns to St Helens and Kris Keating has decided to go back to Australia, so it means we’re short of a six and seven.”

It is understood that Parramatta halfback Luke Kelly, 24, and Gold Coast Titans player Maurice Blair, 29, are also on Rovers’ shopping list.