Dewsbury Rams is pleased to announce an extension to our dual-registration partnership with Betfred Super League side Hull KR for the 2021 season.
The news was first announced in a letter to season ticket holders earlier this month.
In addition, the two teams will contest a pre-season friendly in 2021 from which Dewsbury will receive all gate receipts.
The club would like to thank Robins owner Neil Hudgell, CEO Mike Smith and head coach Tony Smith in agreeing to this partnership.
Dewsbury Rams Chairman Mark Sawyer said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to renew our dual registration partnership with Hull KR.
“They were very accommodating in setting up the agreement and in agreeing to the pre-season friendly, which will hopefully prove to be a massive boost to us at an important part of the preparations for next season, whenever that might be.
“They have a good squad of players with good attitudes instilled in to them by a quality coach as we saw from the way both Will Oakes and Matty Gee performed in our colours.
“As I know Mike Smith has said, it is important that Super League, Championship and League 1 clubs all work together.
“There is no doubt that the pandemic will affect the way clubs are run, even after we are back to the new normal.
“I’d like to think that we are all one big rugby league family, and the help and assistance we have received from Hull KR with this has filled me with a lot of hope for our game in the future. I would like to thank them for their co-operation.
“Like ourselves, Hull KR have a realistic vision for the future and hopefully, by working together, we can jointly help our clubs achieve the success that the hard work of all concerned deserves.”
Hull KR CEO Mike Smith added: “The partnership we have with Dewsbury never really got going due to the pandemic.
“However, going forward, Super League, Championship and League 1 clubs need to work together to help each other and the game prosper.
“Therefore, we have agreed to extend the partnership for the 2021 season.
“Tony and I met with Mark and Lee a couple of weeks ago and it was a really constructive meeting.
“We like their vision for their club and they like ours. There is so much we can do to help each other, with the players, staff and sharing of ideas and best practices.
“I personally am looking forward to seeing it develop.”
The Rams benefited last season from the partnership, with a number of young players going over to play for the Robins Reserve side and gaining valuable match experience.
Meanwhile, Will Oakes, on loan, and Matty Gee, on dual-reg, made big Impressions with the Rams supporters following some smart displays in the Red, Amber and Black.
Rams head coach Lee Greenwood commented: “I’m really pleased that we will be continuing our partnership with Hull KR.
“In the short time we were linked, both clubs were benefiting from the relationship.
“Tony Smith and myself are in regular communication, which allows the partnership to be a success, and I see no reason why this will not carry on in 2021.
“I know that any players we are offered on loan or dual-registration from Hull KR will bring a good attitude and fit in quickly within our squad.
“Will Oakes and Matty Gee seemed to enjoy putting a Dewsbury Rams shirt on and I know that our players that turned out for Hull KR Reserves were proud to do so.”
