Hull FC have confirmed that they have released 22-year-old Frenchman Damel Diakhate with immediate effect.
Diakhate had joined Hull FC on trial midway through the 2023 season and that deal was renewed this year with the Frenchman penning a one-year deal back in October.
The club did actually have the option to extend that deal but instead, they’ve opted to cut ties with the forward who had previously played in the French Elite One Championship.
Hull FC confirmed the news via a statement on their website that read: “Hull FC can confirm that Damel Diakhate has been released from the remainder of his contract.
“The 22-year old prop departs the club with immediate effect to take up a playing opportunity closer to home and his family in France.
“The club would like to thank Damel for his efforts, and wish him the very best for his future within Rugby League and beyond.”
“We’ll keep an eye on him for the future” – All hope not lost for released Hull FC talent
Credit: Imago Images
The news of Diakhate’s release came before Tony Smith’s press conference ahead of Friday’s highly-anticipated Hull derby and Smith was asked about the situation.
Smith explained to BBC Humberside: “He needs to get some opportunity to play regularly. He was playing in our reserve game and that wasn’t enough for his development to improve enough.
“We would have liked to have got him out on loan somewhere and maybe got him more regular rugby league but that opportunity wasn’t there in this country after we pursued it.”
It seems somewhat surprising that the club couldn’t find a loan move anywhere within the English club system for Diakhate, particularly given the flurry of loan moves that were confirmed last night.
Leigh Leopards sent a trio out on loan to the Championship whilst Bradford Bulls brought in youngsters from Huddersfield and Warrington, but it seems there simply wasn’t a market for Hull FC’s Frenchman.
Smith concluded: “We were left thinking that the best for Damel was to go back to France and hopefully either play through getting an opportunity over there with somebody and we’ll keep an eye on him for the future.
“We thank him for his efforts and he thanked us for the opportunity to try and develop his rugby league and I think it did to some degree but not to the rate that probably was needed.”
