AFTER 13 years as man and boy at the Bradford Bulls, Jamie Langley knew finding a new club for 2014 was not something to be rushed. Finding a new club to hopefully see out a highly successful career in style, the 29-year-old and his manager fielded "a number of offers" in Super League.
But one stood out as the clear front-runner for the former Grand Final winner and two-time World Club champion.
"To be honest, when I came to Hull KR and sat down to speak to coach Craig Sandercock, it felt like the right place for me," Langley told the Mail. "I was very impressed with Craig, his enthusiasm for the job, his vision of where he wanted to take the club, and his meticulous attention to detail.
"He immediately struck me as my kind of coach, and we clicked straight away. I also did my research and spoke to players who have played under Craig and all spoke highly of him. It just felt right and, in my opinion, Hull KR are a club on the up."
Rovers may be progressing, but it has been steady progress, played out against a backdrop of off-field concerns in 2013. Uncertainty not only over Sandercock's future, but also that of the club itself, did little to promote the club to potential new signings. Indeed, it was cited by one big star, Mickey Paea, as his reason for departing to pastures new and joining Hull FC.
But, with new directors on board, the new North Stand almost complete and ready to open in the World Cup, and some strong recruitment already complete for 2014, Langley is confident he is joining the Robins at an exciting time.
"I think the club has that stability off the field now and has the potential to really push on. It is a club on the rise." Langley added. "They have already added some high-quality players for next season.
"Michael Weyman and myself go way back to the days when he captained Australia schoolboys and I captained England. We had some great battles and he is a great addition. Neville Costigan is another no-nonsense player with great experience from the NRL and he will lead from the front and not take a backwards step. Yes, the loss of Mickey Paea was a big one, but I am certain these two will fill that void, and hopefully I can bring my experience to the table too.
"Michael Dobson is also a big loss, obviously, but in Kris Keating Rovers have brought a quality replacement in."
With a largely youthful and inexperienced squad around them, it will fall upon the likes of Langley, Weyman and Costigan to lead the way and provide a shoulder to lean on for emerging stars. That is a role the back-rower is more than happy to take on when joining up with KR for next year, and one he says he enjoys.
"I will be happy to take some of the young guys under my wing and help them improve. I thinks that's part of the job of the experienced pros," he said. "I like the coaching aspect of the game, and video analysis, and the detail of how the sport is changing. I think that is why I clicked with Craig straight away. He leaves nothing to chance."
Set to turn 30 in November, and having spent his entire career previously at the Bulls, Rovers could well be the club where Langley sees out his career. And having signed a one-year-deal, with the option of a second season should all go well, Langley insists he has plenty of top-flight rugby left in him.
"I'd like to think there are a few years left in me yet, and hopefully, if things go as planned, I could stay at Rovers for a few years," he said. "Obviously it all depends on how things go on and off the field, but my partner is finishing university and there may be an opportunity for her to work in Hull, so that could see us move over and live there rather than commuting, which will help.
"There is a good feeling about the place. The supporters are passionate and I am sure I will enjoy my rugby there. I just can't wait to throw myself at it now."
