Hull KR's CEO, Paul Lakin, is ready to discuss the club's future, from stadium expansion to recruitment strategies and beyond. In an exclusive interview, he opens up about the incredible treble success of 2025 and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Triumph and the Hunger
James Smailes (JS): Reflecting on the club's achievements in 2025, how do you feel about it now?
Paul Lakin (PL): It's surreal, to be honest. The Challenge Cup Final was an emotional rollercoaster, with fans and players honoring those we've lost. That win truly hit home, but the treble success hasn't fully sunk in yet.
JS: It's inspiring that this success has left you hungry for more, rather than satisfied.
PL: Absolutely! You don't truly understand the feeling of winning until you've experienced it. Now, I know the feeling, and I want more. It's a powerful motivator.
A Settled Squad, a Growing Club
PL: We have a settled squad and a strong spine, which is crucial in our sport. The hunger is there, and we're ready to go again. I believe we have the best coach in Super League, and our team is full of experienced leaders.
JS: So, the success of 2025 was not a fluke? You planned and built for this?
PL: Exactly! We had a vision, and we executed it. Our spine is solid, and Willie (Peters) knows it. We've signed key players for multiple years, and our recruitment strategy is calculated. We're in a great position.
The Impact of Success
PL: The growth of the club has been remarkable. I underestimated the potential of this fan base. We could easily fill a 13-15,000-capacity stadium with our loyal supporters. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
JS: How has the success affected the staff and the atmosphere around the club?
PL: Within the club, everyone has remained grounded. The workload has kept us focused on the present. But outside, the buzz is incredible. People are talking about KR, and that's a fantastic feeling.
Stadium Expansion and Development
JS: With the South Stand extension, what's next for Craven Park's development?
PL: We're considering a temporary structure for the main stand or east stand to accommodate our growing fan base. We don't want to lose a generation by not providing enough seats.
JS: How important is it to maximize the opportunity of being in Las Vegas as treble winners?
PL: It's a massive opportunity to raise our profile, especially in the Australian market. We want to embrace it and make the most of the exposure.
Aussie Connections and Recruitment
JS: Willie Peters' role with Australia must have helped with KR's visibility down under?
PL: Absolutely! It's a great opportunity for Willie to work with the best, and it raises our profile. We've signed some exciting players, like Tom Amone and Karl Lawton, who bring valuable experience.
JS: How do you plan to maintain this high level of success?
PL: My mantra is simple: "Be better." If everyone improves by a small margin, we'll be in a great position. It's about continuous growth and development.
The Future of Craven Park
PL: The redevelopment of Craven Park has faced some delays due to planning objections. But we're confident that we'll get final approval soon, and it will unlock funding opportunities.
JS: How do you feel about the process, especially compared to rugby's?
PL: It's been an eye-opener. The expenses and red tape involved in development projects are immense. We've lost time and money, but we're determined to push through.
League Structure and Magic Weekend
PL: I'm happy with the principle of 14 teams, but we could have used another year to recruit. Magic Weekend is a great concept, and I'm excited for the derby games. It adds a unique element to the league.
And there you have it, an exclusive insight into the mind of Hull KR's CEO. What do you think? Are you as excited as we are about the future of this club? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
