Imagine switching sports, battling through trials, and landing a dream contract—all in just one year. That’s the whirlwind journey of Declan Murphy, whose path to Hull KR is nothing short of extraordinary. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is his rapid rise a testament to raw talent, or does it expose the pressures young athletes face in high-stakes sports? Let’s dive in.
In February 2026, Declan Murphy’s story took a dramatic turn. Just 12 months prior, the 20-year-old outside-back was released by Saracens at the end of the 2024/25 rugby union season. Undeterred, he pivoted to rugby league, earning a trial with Wigan Warriors’ reserves. This bold move set the stage for a rollercoaster year that culminated in his first Super League contract.
And this is the part most people miss: Amid Salford Red Devils’ struggles, Murphy got his first taste of top-tier rugby league just months into his code switch. A few standout appearances were all it took for Hull KR to see his potential, signing him to a three-year deal ahead of the 2026 season. But his journey wasn’t without challenges.
Murphy openly admits his experience at Salford was unique. Joining late in the 2026 campaign, his goal was clear: prove himself. ‘It was a pretty difficult time after leaving Saracens,’ he reflects. ‘But at Salford, I came in with a purpose—to play and make a name for myself. The other guys? I can only imagine how tough it was for them. They’d turn up, hoping for the best. I was fighting for a contract, so I had to give it my all.’
Those performances caught the eye of Hull KR, who swiftly secured him under coach Willie Peters. The deal was finalized just a week before Murphy faced the eventual treble-winning champions last September. Talk about timing!
Now, on the cusp of completing his first full pre-season in rugby league, Murphy is setting ambitious goals at Sewell Group Craven Park. He made his unofficial debut for the Robins in last month’s pre-season clash against Wakefield Trinity, marking another milestone in his rapid ascent.
‘It’s been a proper challenge,’ Murphy admits. ‘Coming from rugby union, the environment is completely different. But the boys and coaches have been amazing—breaking everything down, making it easy to learn. I’ve been enjoying it, even though I knew it wouldn’t be easy.’
Murphy’s humility shines through as he acknowledges the hard work behind his success. ‘I trained relentlessly in the off-season to keep my standards high,’ he explains. ‘I knew the bar would be high here, so I’ve tried to stay grounded and prepared. My goal? To push for the first team, train hard, and show Willie I’m hungry to learn.’
Yet, Murphy is realistic about the road ahead. With Arthur Mourgue set to wear the number one shirt in 2026, he understands the competition. But being part of Hull KR’s historic season—including the World Club Challenge and their trip to Las Vegas—is an opportunity he’s determined to seize.
‘Even if I’m not playing, just being around it all will be invaluable,’ he adds. ‘I’ve got three years to develop under Willie, and I’m eager to make that matchday squad every week.’
Here’s the thought-provoking question: In a sport where careers can pivot in an instant, does Murphy’s story inspire—or does it highlight the precarious nature of professional athletics? Share your thoughts below. His journey is far from over, and we’ll be watching closely to see what’s next for this rising star.
