Leo Tennison commits until the end of 2026

Hull KR are delighted to announce young forward, Leo Tennison has signed a new two-year deal with the club, keeping the Academy product at Sewell Group Craven Park until the end of the 2026 season.

A Skirlaugh Bulls junior, Leo made his Hull KR debut last year against Wigan Warriors in Super League Round 21 after making the step up to the first team setup ahead of the 2023 Super League season.

Standing at 6’4, the 20-year-old progressed through the ranks of the Robins’ Academy, earning a place for Yorkshire in the Academy Origin Series in 2022. A strong, powerful front-rower able to punch holes in defences, Tennison plied his trade for the club’s Reserves side in between a impressive loan with Cornwall RLFC last season.

Tennison went on to make his Hull KR first team debut in their Round 21 game against Wigan Warriors, coming on in the final quarter of the game as the young Robins looked to match the hosts.

Since then, Tennison has continued to develop within the Robins’ pack, being one of the stand outs in the Robins’ friendly games against Sheffield Eagles and Leeds Rhinos.

In recent weeks, Tennison has featured in Willie Peters’ 21-man squad as he gains valuable experience amongst the first team, edging closer to his next first team appearance for the club.

Speaking on his new contract, Tennison was excited to continue his development with his hometown club: ‘I’m really happy with the new deal. I’m glad that I’ve played and trained well enough to be offered a new deal, it’s a good feeling to keep progressing.'

Speaking on making his debut for the Robins last Summer, Leo outlined how positive the experience was for his development: ‘It was really good. I’d played a bit of League One for Cornwall prior to the game so I felt quite comfortable playing against bigger opposition.

‘The game speed was definitely a lot quicker (against Wigan) but I really enjoyed it and it felt good to make my debut in front of a great away following from our fans.’

In between training with the first team and playing for the Robins’ reserves side, Tennison noted his desire to play for the club’s registration parters, Featherstone Rovers: ‘It’ll be a good challenge going to play in the championship.

‘To play against players who do a full week’s work then bring the intensity and physicality to the game, that’s a big test that I’m looking forward to.

‘Over the next few years I want to stick my neck out a bit more and work my way into the first team. I was the 18th man for our game against Leeds, so I was on the cusp there but I want to work my way into the team this year and next year and earn a place in the side.’

Hull KR Head Coach Willie Peters added: ‘I’m really pleased for Leo as he’s worked extremely hard to improve all areas of his game, which is why he’s being rewarded with a new two-year extension.

There’s no rush in terms of expectations as props usually develop in their mid-twenties. However, if Leo continues to develop like he has in the past year, playing first team rugby in the near future is certainly not out of the question.

‘The main focus for Leo is to continue training at the standards he’s set as that will fast track his chances of playing regular first grade. Leo is a quality person, a Hull KR Academy graduate and someone we're proud to have in our squad.

‘To become a Super League player, you have to prove yourself at Championship level. Leo is definitely proving himself in the Reserve grade and that next level is to prove himself as a Championship front-rower.’