CANTERBURY Bulldogs half-back Kris Keating is one of the four stars under consideration by Hull KR to replace departing captain Michael Dobson next season, the Mail can confirm.
Rovers chief executive Mike Smith is presently in Australia meeting players and agents in a bid to find the man they need to play alongside stand-off Travis Burns next season.
Chairman Neil Hudgell revealed on Sunday that four players are under consideration, and sources have told the Mail that Smith has sounded out Keating over a possible move to MS3 Craven Park.
Keating, who stands at just 5ft 10in and has a similar style to Leeds' Rob Burrow with his explosive running, can also play hooker and first broke into the NRL first grades with Parramatta in 2009.
He joined the Bulldogs in 2011 and, although signing a new two-year deal last year, has an opt-out clause in his favour for the 2014 season.
Keating is represented by David Riolo, who has negotiated with Rovers in recent times to bring players such as Mick Vella, Clint Newton and Blake Green to the club.
Riolo is also the agent of Dobson, and was placed on alert by the Robins to seek out available half-back talent in Australia after he struck the deal for Dobson to return to the NRL with the Newcastle Knights next season.
Although Keating is certainly a possibility for KR, Smith is yet to meet with all potential targets and a decision will only be made when he has done so.
It comes on the back of deals for NRL stars Michael Weyman and Neville Costigan being signed and sealed in the past week.
