Hull KR’s club culture has earned high praise, alongside Luke Gale’s immediate impact.
The hard work continues at Hull KR ahead of the 2026 season.(Image: Hull KR)
New assistant coach Ian Watson has labelled Hull KR a “first-class environment” and praised Luke Gale’s immediate impact on the squad following his arrival at the club.
Both Watson and Gale joined the Robins during pre-season on two-year deals, forming part of a refreshed coaching dynamic under back-to-back Super League Coach of the Year Willie Peters.
Former England international and 2017 Man of Steel Gale only retired at the end of the 2024 season before spending the following year on Daryl Powell’s coaching staff at Wakefield Trinity. Still just 37, the ex-half-back has taken on responsibility for leading Hull KR’s attack during their 2026 preparations, bringing with him a wealth of experience from close to 400 professional appearances and 10 international caps.
Watson, meanwhile, has been impressed by the club’s entire backroom operation since joining Hull KR in October, returning to Super League after a stint in the United States in rugby union.
“Luke Gale is great,” said the former Salford and Huddersfield boss.
“I knew Luke as a player and coached against him as well, and saw some of the things he did as a player.
“To get to know him as a person first and foremost, then as a coach – he’s smart. You can see how he was a good game manager and organising people around the field.
“He’s doing a lot of that work now and putting it in place with the players. It’s great to watch him and see what he brings and learn from him, as well as the likes of Dave Hodgson and others at the club.
“The coaches are all very involved, get asked their opinions and you can bounce opinions off each other,
“They work really well as a team. It’s a first-class environment.”