HULL KR are closing in on signing Newcastle Knights forward Neville Costigan for next season.
Costigan is free to leave the Knights after three seasons with the club, with an official offer from Rovers now on the table.
It comes after the Robins failed in bids for previous targets Roy Aostasi, who signed for Warrington, and Eddy Pettybourne, who has agreed to join Wigan.
Both players demanded too much in terms of salary in negotiations with KR.
Despite their recent strengthening setbacks, Rovers will be confident of Costigan agreeing to the deal, especially given he worked under current KR coach Craig Sandercock when he was the Knights' assistant.
The 28-year-old will offer great versatility to KR as he can play in all positions in the pack, helping soften the blow of losing Mickey Paea to Hull FC, and second rower Cory Paterson, who is returning home on compassionate grounds.
Rovers excellent relationship with the Knights has seen a string of players head to the club and follow Sandercock, with Shannon McDonnell, Con Mika and Paterson all having played for the club.
Rovers captain Michael Dobson will head the other way next season, having signed a one-year deal.
During his 10-year career in the NRL, Costigan has played more than 150 games for Brisbane, Canberra, St George and Newcastle.
His form also brought six appearances for Queensland in their record breaking run of seven State of Origin series wins over New South Wales.
This season he has averaged 31 minutes a game for the Knights, averaging 7.6 metres a carry.
Defensively, Costigan is solid and would no doubt help shore up a defence that has shown signs of improvement recently.
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