Hull FC recruitment push and the 4 off-contract NRL stars that fit bill

As it stands Hull FC still have two quota spots remaining as they continue their recruitment for next season. The Black and Whites have signed John Asiata ahead of 2025, while Cade Cust is expected to join him at the MKM Stadium as the club look to turn a corner and kick on under John Cartwright.

Cartwright’s son Jed is already in East Yorkshire and counts on the quota alongside Herman Ese’ese and Ligi Sao who are Hull’s only other two overseas players contracted for next season. Lachlan Lam has been tipped to join but wouldn’t count as an overseas player given his background and the fact he spent a chunk of his childhood in the UK.

That leaves a couple of overseas slots open for Hull FC to fill and as they push to improve on what has been a difficult campaign, they will be looking to the NRL. With that in mind, here’s four players who might just fit the bill.

Martin Taupau

At 34, it’s probably fair to say the prop is approaching the twilight of his career, but he might just feel as though he still has plenty more to give. He’s made seven appearances for Brisbane Broncos, with big minutes coming in games over the last few weeks, but as it stands he will be allowed to leave the club at the end of the season.

Cartwright, who is currently an assistant at the Broncos, will know all about what the former New Zealand and Samoa international can offer Hull and the experience he would be able to offer in the pack would no doubt go a long way. The Black and Whites aren’t exactly stacked for depth in the front row either and a move for Taupau would certainly be a statement of intent.

Jordan Rapana

Rapana has already been linked with a move to Hull FC, with the Canberra Times touting the possibility of a two-year deal. The Canberra Raiders winger is also said to be interesting Catalans Dragons, but it remains to be seen if he will make the move to the Northern Hemisphere.

Rapana has been there and done it as a player, scoring 108 tries in 214 appearances in the NRL and his versatility could be useful for Hull, given he has spent much of the season at full-back for the Raiders. He turns 35 next month, which must be a consideration, but the former New Zealand international would be able to offer huge amounts of experience and guidance which could be hugely beneficial for Hull’s young backs.

Edrick Lee

Lee has shown repeatedly over his career that he knows where the try line is and while he hasn’t been part of the first-team picture at the Dolphins this year, he has still recorded five tries at Queensland Cup level. The winger has represented Queensland in State of Origin and at the age of 31, he should still have plenty left in the tank.

Tesi Niu

The Tonga international appears to be another man set to leave the Dolphins this season and his age and versatility could make him a real coup, should any Super League team make an approach. Niu can play at centre, full-back and on the wing and Hull appear to be short of established depth in all three positions moving forward.

He’s still only 22, but with 55 NRL appearances and 20 tries under his belt, he’s hardly inexperienced and if it makes sense financially, his signing would be the opportunity for Hull to make something of a statement.