Exclusive: Why Hull FC star Jamie Shaul’s move to Wakefield Trinity didn’t happen

This week, speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, Tony Smith confirmed that Jamie Shaul’s expected move to Wakefield Trinity fell through and that the fullback was likely to star for the black and whites in 2023.

Many expected Shaul to join Wakefield in 2023 after he had a successful loan spell at Trinity at the end of last season.

It’s been a difficult few seasons for the fullback who has struggled with injury and lost his number one shirt to Jake Connor.

Connor is headed to Huddersfield Giants in 2023 but the Black and Whites have a replacement for him in the shape of new signing Tex Hoy.

That said, Shaul will be backing himself to wrestle the fullback spot away from him in 2023 however he was very nearly Wakefield’s fullback next season with a move very close before it fell down.

Serious About Rugby League understands that a change in priorities at Belle Vue was the reason for this.

As the club moved in a new direction appointing Mark Applegarth as Head Coach for next season with Willie Poching stepping down, the club’s recruitment policy changed with Applegarth placing a greater emphasis on recruiting middles which meant that the club was no longer keen on bringing in Shaul Serious About Rugby League understands.

Thus, the star fullback is set to remain at the MKM Stadium at least until the end of his current contract which expires at the end of next season.