Reports: Hull FC set to secure latest signing as Danny Houghton replacement revealed

Hull FC have undoubtedly been the busiest club in the Super League transfer market for the 2025 season.

Since the arrival of Richie Myler as Director of Rugby, the Black and Whites have secured a number of signings for next season as a major squad overhaul continues to take place at the MKM Stadium.

One area that remained a question though was the hooker position, with long-serving club legend Danny Houghton reportedly set to retire at the end of the 2024 season after a stellar career for the Airlie Birds.

Experienced Australian John Cartwright was announced as Hull’s head coach for 2025 at the end of last month and since then the club has secured a flurry of overseas signings –  John’s son Jed Cartwright and Treigh Stewart were announced earlier this week.

Stewart is a Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII representative, playing at fullback against Australia at the end of last season.

And now it appears Houghton’s replacement has been confirmed in the shape of another player who represents Papua New Guinea, this time a fully-fledged international star who will take over the club’s no.9 role from next season.

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Hull FC set to sign PNG international

According to reports in both Hull Live and the PNG Post-Courier, FC have signed Papua New Guinea international Judah Rimbu for the 2025 campaign.

Rimbu, 22, is currently playing for PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup. He has amassed 58 appearances for Hunters in the last four seasons, scoring 11 tries.

His impressive performances led to an international debut for the Kumuls last season. Rumbu was an interchange for current Leigh Leopards’ star and fellow hooker Edwin Ipape.

Rimbu, who can also play at stand-off, is a strong, direct and athletic runner of the ball, possessing many similar attributes to his international teammate Ipape. Given Ipape’s success in the English game, this could be an astute piece of business from Hull and their new head coach.

He is set to be confirmed as FC’s latest signing in the coming days, with the club’s rebuild and activity in the transfer market showing no signs of slowing down under new head coach Cartwright and Director of Rugby Myler.

At just 22, Rumbu has his best playing days ahead of him, and if he can replicate just half of what Danny Houghton achieved in his Hull FC career, he could become the latest no.9 to be adored by the Old Faithful.