Tuesday 13 December 2016 20:34, UK
Hull KR have signed versatile Australian back Jake Butler-Fleming on a one-year contract.
The 24-year-old moves to the Lightstream Stadium from Wentworthville Magpies having played his junior rugby for Penrith Panthers.
Identified by Rovers head coach Tim Sheens as the latest addition to his squad for a promotion push from the Kingstone Press Championship, Butler-Fleming is able to play on the wing, at centre or full back and is described as being similar in style to former Rovers favourite Ken Sio.
"Jake's got an aggressive running style, he's got footwork and a bit of class about him, but he'll take it up through the forwards and he's that physical type of player which is what we need and what we lost with Kenny," Sheens told the club's official website.
"Like Heff [Andrew Heffernan], he's been well-drilled in the junior set-up in Australia whilst coming through the Penrith system.
"He's played U16s, U18s and U20s and he's gone up and played Massey Cup and then State Cup [reserve grade].
"He's one of a number of outside backs over there who has found it difficult to earn an opportunity in the NRL but he's had some good recommendations and he'll add to the strength of our backline.
"We've lost Matty Marsh and Joe Wardill for a while and both Ryan Shaw and Liam Salter are coming off injuries last season. They're both in full training but we want to have options and Jake gives us that.
"He adds some real utility value for us. He plays three positions and he plays on either side of the field as well."
