Hull FC have made their seventh signing for 2027 with one of Daly Cherry-Evans’ teammates signing for the Black and Whites.
Experienced outside back Junior Pauga, who has twice represented Samoa, will join Hull FC with the New Zealand-born centre signing a two-year deal at the club.
He becomes the club’s latest centre signing after the arrival of Jordan Swann, with the Black and Whites picking up the pace on their recruitment of late.
Overseas forward Joshua Coric was announced on Tuesday and the club have now confirmed Pauga as their seventh addition as he helps fill a position of need, given that Davy Litten is leaving and Tom Briscoe is retiring.
The 30-year-old Pauga has played just four times for Sydney Roosters this year but he boasts 25 NRL appearances across his career, though he has spent the majority in the competition’s reserve grade.
His two international appearances for Samoa came during the nation’s 2024 tour of England, meaning he is familiar with these shores that he will now call home for the next two years.
Pauga follows the signings of Bailey Hodgson, Daly Cherry-Evans, Isaac Liu, Alrix Da Costa, Jordan Swann and Joshua Coric.
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‘Surreal feeling’ to join Hull FC, says Pauga
Speaking on his move to England, Pauga said: “It’s a surreal feeling. I’m glad that I’ve been able to put pen to paper and I’m really excited to come over and be a part of Hull FC.
“My manager spoke to me three weeks ago about the possibility of heading over to England, saying that Steve McNamara was pretty keen to have me over there in Hull, so I was really appreciative of that.”
Pauga also listed some of the great players he has learned with, whilst also speaking about his current and future teammate Daly Cherry-Evans.
He explained: “The experience I’ve gained from spending a few years at the Roosters with players like Joey Manu, Joseph Sua’ali’i, Rob Toia and Billy Smith has been great and it’s really helped my confidence as a player.
“I was actually chatting with Daly Cherry-Evans about heading over to Hull next year and we were both talking about how excited we are for the opportunity next year. Can’t wait for it!”
FC’s chief executive Richie Myler added: “It’s no secret that we have been in the market for a centre and I’m really pleased that we are able to bring Junior Pauga to the club in 2027.”
“He’s solid on both sides of the ball and he’s really excited about the opportunity to come over to Hull to work under Steve McNamara, who has been a big admirer of Junior for a while now.
“We’ve been keeping tabs on him for a bit and he’s been hitting some really good form in the New South Wales Cup, so he’s going to arrive with a real spring in his step and he’ll be a great option for us in the backline.”
Hull FC are delighted to announce the signing of Junior Pauga for the 2027 Betfred Super League season ✍️
The New Zealand born centre joins the club from Sydney Roosters, signing a two-year deal with the Black & Whites ✅
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— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) September 2, 2026
