Written by Mike Carter, Hull KR Shirts.
We now know what the full complement of Hull KR kits will look like for the 2023 Super League season after the lineup was completed on Thursday 10th November!
However, that’s not where this story starts; it starts on Wednesday 9th November, at 6:00 PM. That’s when we were first alerted to an imminent kit release by the below tweet, including the quote “Diamonds are forever” and a cool promo teaser video along with classic match footage and some kits we’ve seen before…
The video included close-up shots of the 1993/94 home and away shirts — two classic designs used by the Club during a radical era in terms of shirt designs across sports teams. The away shirt was in its second cycle after being used during the 1992/93 season with a Riding Bitter sponsor, which was replaced by John Smiths for the following season. For 2023, the diamond design has been reimagined in a new colourway, and I can see this being a hit with the fans. Side note: The 1993/94 shirts that were used in the promo video are from the collection of ‘Hull KR Shirts’.
So, what else did we learn from the promo video? The kit will carry a blue and white embroidered crest. The Robin Icon features in its new, more prominent position below the collar on the back. The manufacturer mark and main front of shirt sponsor Connexin are dye sublimated in white, and the two-tone blue diamonds look amazing!
(Credit: Hull KR)
Once again, the shirt was made available for pre-order ahead of its release to allow fans to ensure they didn’t miss out on the latest Hull KR kit to be released.
At 2:00 PM on Thursday 10th November, Club principal sponsor Connexin posted a close-up look at their segment of the shirt, giving us a better idea of how the strip was going to look. They were even kind enough to ‘tag’ our ‘Hull KR Shirts’ account in it on Twitter! Thanks for that Connexin!!
As the hours and minutes ticked away, it was soon 6:00 PM before I knew it, and my phone blew up with notification after notification. The first post I saw, naturally, was made by the Club’s official account and the words “HERE. IT. IS”. Three very powerful words, when placed together, introduced us to the third and final piece of the playing kit puzzle ahead of the 2023 season.
(Credit: Hull KR)
The launch graphic contained the same quartet that featured on the launch graphics of the Queensland Alternate kit last month — Will Tate, Phoenix Laula-Togaga’e, Matty Storton, and Rowan Milnes. I’m guessing here, but I would assume the photography was done at the same time as the Queensland kit; this may mean nothing, but the lads are all wearing the same footwear in both shoots.
Another thing we’ve learned here is how the two alternate kits will be named. Usually, the terminology is easier with home, away, and third, but having two alternate kits complicates things ever so slightly. This kit will be known as the Diamond alternate kit, and the other will be the Queensland alternate kit.
The third kit release needed to be a contrasting colour to that of the home and the Queensland alternate kit. Most people, including me, had speculated that blue would be a good option to go with, and that has been proven to be the case. The kit is mostly blue, with a two-toned dye-sublimated blue diamond pattern. The addition of red to the diamonds breaks up the pattern and adds another layer to the design. There isn’t too much red, though, and it isn’t too little either; the kit carries the perfect amount to offset the two-toned blue from each other, in my opinion. It is simply wonderful!
(Credit: Hull KR)
The design feels modern and futuristic. There are subtle nods to the past, but it isn’t overpowering at all. I think a lot of people would be forgiven for not connecting the dots on the diamond design being reincarnated from the 1990s if it wasn’t for the obvious connection made during the initial teaser video by the Club.
The sponsors appear across the kit in white, which works in a great way against the two tones of blue. There is no exception, which isn’t always the case, so this allows for a uniform approach to the sponsorship of the kit. Once again, thank you to each and every one of the 2023 Hull KR kit sponsors for your participation in ensuring the kit looks as amazing as it does.
The club crest is embroidered into the shirt with a blue background and white Robins/detailing. It is very similar to that on the 2022 Icons of Hull away kit, which appeared in blue and yellow. The tactic of changing the colour of the Club crest is something that has brought aesthetic success to shirts in the past, including on the 2023 Queensland alternate kit.
(Credit: Hull KR)
Both the home and Queensland alternate shirts have an 80’s style V-neck collar; however, the Diamond alternate shirt has a crew neck with an insert, the same collar that was used on all three of the shirts in 2022.
(Credit: Hull KR)
In line with the home and Queensland alternate kit, the Betfred Super League logo is dye sublimated on the right sleeve as wearing. It appears in its natural colourway, as it does on the 2023 home shirt, as opposed to a colour-coordinated version like the Queensland kit. On this shirt, the logo appearing in its natural colourway works. It sits nicely and is very inoffensive.
(Credit: Hull KR)
The alternate Diamond shirt will be worn as a kit with blue shorts and blue socks. The shorts have diamond detailing, on a section on either side of the shorts. This keeps the main design of the kit included and provides further continuity across the kit. The socks are also two-tone blue, with Oxen branding appearing in white on the turnover.
(Credit: Hull KR)
I first saw this kit in January 2022 at the fans’ consultation meeting, and back then, it was likely to be the Queensland alternate kit or the Diamond alternate kit that was going to be used for the 2023 season. I am over the moon that the Club has been able to work both designs into fruition so soon. The early advantage was with the Queensland kit, with it being time sensitive. It is the type of anniversary that could be celebrated after 40 years, but 41 years on wouldn’t have had the same effect.
However, back in January, I advocated for the Diamond design over the Queensland design when prompted, due to it having a bigger appeal to me personally (and I loved the idea behind the Queensland kit). It’s going to be interesting to see where things lie with the rest of the fanbase, especially since the Queensland kit has received high acclaim and has already sold out in some popular sizes. The initial reaction is good, though, and hopefully, that reflects in strong retail sales for the Club too.
(Credit: Hull KR)
It appears that there isn’t any training wear that will accompany the alternate Diamond kit, which is a shame. However, with the number of quality lines that have been released, it is understandable as the line has to be drawn somewhere. Seeing how things go, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of a mid-season range incorporating the Diamond design, especially if the initial reaction moves into sales revenue for the Club in what is a vital time for all retailers. On a plus note, though, there is a towel, coaster, and mug in the style of the Diamond alternate kit.
It has been a while since I’ve produced a review that wasn’t positive, and I believe that is a compliment to the Club and Oxen for being so consistent with their designs, and long may it continue.
We’ve seen all three of the playing shirts for the 2023 season now, and we’ve not even hit mid-November yet. This is an incredible testament to the Club and Oxen for getting all three on the shelves for the biggest retail time of the year. Get ready to fill those stockings!
Off the pitch, the Club is getting it right. With key work from people such as Paul Lakin, Craig Franklin, Laura George, and more. The Club really feels like it is on the up off the pitch, and I feel it’s now time to progress on it too.
I do have to give one last shout-out, and that’s to Hazhatta Idaham. Haz is the graphic designer for Hull KR and has produced some banging graphics of late. I feel it’s important that his work is recognised because the initial reaction to a kit is mostly via imagery online, and his magic allows our imaginations to run wild after each reveal. Keep up the great work, Haz; we love to see it.
This week I have also had a chat with Hull Daily Mail reporter, Joe Appleyard about our kits for 2023. You can read that here.
The 2023 Diamond alternate kit can be purchased by clicking here.
Hull KR Shirts 