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“Hull KR or another Super League team” – Penrith Panthers star on transfer merry-go-round

Some mid-season signings can transform a club’s season. Hull KR pulled off a huge coup last year when signing half-back, Brad Schneider. Schneider joined on a half-season loan from Canberra Raiders and lifted the Robins to new heights.

Schneider was an instrumental part in KR’s run to the Challenge Cup final. However, Leigh ultimately defeated the Robins in the Wembley showcase. He also impressed in the league, scoring a drop-goal on his debut to beat Leeds Rhinos.

Rovers qualified for the play-off semi-final, in large part thanks to Schneider’s inspirational performances. However, they were unable to overcome eventual Super League winners, Wigan Warriors.

Schneider had no shortage of suitors at the end of last season, with Super League sides falling over themselves to keep him. Speaking to the ABC Sport Podcast, Schneider admitted that he originally intended to stay in the U.K. for another year.

“I didn’t really know what I was going to do when I went over. I had intentions of probably staying over there another year, whether it be at Hull KR or another English team.

“But Penrith came to the table pretty early, within the first couple of weeks when I got over there. So, when they sort of came to the table, it was a bit of a no-brainer to come back to Australia.”

Scheider stated that it had always been his ambition to return to the NRL. He voiced his admiration for Panthers star, Nathan Cleary, revealing he was one of the key reasons for his transfer to the Panthers.

“And I always wanted to come back to the NRL, and when someone like the Panthers come knocking and get the experience with someone like Nathan (Cleary), and it’s someone you want to learn off it was a bit of a no-brainer.”

He also spoke about looking up to some of the veterans in the Hull KR dressing room. Most notably, growing up watching Shaun Kenny-Dowall.

“Yeah, I think I was watching Shaun Kenny-Dowall when I was still in primary school.”

Schneider has huge shoes to fill, walking into a side which has won three consecutive NRL titles. If he guides them to a fourth NRL crown, Penrith will also be keen to avenge consecutive World Club Challenge defeats. The Panthers lost the previous two finals against Wigan and St Helens.

On the other hand, Hull KR fans are pondering what could have been. The Robins are in contention for the play-offs once again, and in the Challenge Cup semi-final. If they could have retained Schneider, who knows how far they could have gone this season.