Hull Kingston Rovers coach Craig Sandercock has confirmed that Rhys Lovegrove remains a part of his plans at New Craven Park for the next Super League season.

With his contract expiring in a year, reports had suggested that the 26-year-old forward had been told to find a new home with the club planning an overhaul.

However, Sandercock has now ended talk of an early exit, revealing that he has been impressed by the Australian's attitude in training.

"Rhys Lovegrove will definitely be staying at the club next year," he told the Hull Daily Mail. "He has been training really hard with the boys.

"There were a few rumours behind the scenes about squad numbers and the rest of it, and that started a couple of months ago, but Rhys will be here next season and is looking forward to the season ahead."

Lovegrove joined Rovers on an initial loan deal from NRL side St George-Illawarra Dragons in 2007 before making the move permanent.