3 clubs who could look to sign Franklin Pele following Hull FC release

Franklin Pele has been released by Hull FC with immediate effect, despite only joining ahead of this season from NRL.

His debut, against city rivals Hull KR, was a nightmare one, as he was sent off in the first half for a high tackle, and subsequently served a three-game ban before again being banned for a high tackle on his return.

Last month, he was sent to York Knights on a loan move, dropping to the RFL Championship, in a similar move to Okunbor’s to Bradford Bulls.

Now, he joins Nu Brown and Tex Hoy as NRL recruits to be released from their contracts by Hull FC this year – meaning he’s available to join other sides immediately

Here are three Super League sides that could bring him in.

Three clubs who could look to sign Franklin Pele following Hull FC release

Castleford Tigers

They’ve already signed one man that Hull FC released this year not long after signing from an NRL side – that man being Tex Hoy.

He’s since starred for the side, scoring a remarkable ‘chip and chase’ try against Hull FC which has since been shortlisted for Super League Try of the Month.

The full-back was originally only signed until the end of this season, but his performances have earned him an extension through 2025.

Therefore, the Tigers may see the signing of Franklin Pele as a more worthwhile experiment than most clubs would, as they’ve experienced first-hand that a top talent wasn’t in the right place when with the Black and Whites.

They’re also clearly in need of props. Matty English signed on a short-term loan deal this month from Huddersfield Giants, a move which may well be extended further, but other options, such as George Griffin, are not performing well, meaning Pele may be an option that Craig Lingard is interested in.

They have no quota spots free, but may be tempted to offload second-rower Nixon Putt, who has struggled for minutes this year, despite being contracted for the 2025 season.

Leigh Leopards

A side currently being linked with every name under the sun, the Leopards have already lost players in the transfer market, such as big names like captain John Asiata for next year, who is also currently injured.

One of the best props in the competiton, Tom Amone, will also be heading out – to NRL with Canterbury Bulldogs next year.

Therefore, they’ll at least hope for another prop for 2025, but could also see it as a spot they could improve upon immediately.

One of their quota spots is currently being held by prop Ben Nakubuwai, who looked set to join Castleford Tigers earlier in the year before staying due to Leigh’s injury problems, and he’s now out on loan to Championship side Featherstone Rovers.

They could let him go if there are the right terms in the loan deal, especially as he’s off-contract after 2024 – allowing them to swoop for Pele.

London Broncos

Warrington and Hull FC are the only other sides with free quota spots at the moment, so Pele’s options may be limited if other sides aren’t willing to release players to accommodate his signing.

If he doesn’t end up heading back to Australia, this could be one of his only opportunities to play at the top level.

He’s also, surely, have a good chance of starting most games, providing him with a good starting point to revive his career, and to put himself in the shop window for a 2025 move.

It’s probably fair to say that the Broncos’ pack is the worst in the league by a distance, and they get carved open easily by even other struggling sides, so any opportunity for improvement would likely be taken if they’ve got the funds.

They showed, with a win over Hull FC, they’re capable of winning games, but reinforcements still seem necessary.

Hull FC