Hull FC sign NRL forward triggering quota questions

Hull FC have confirmed that they have signed an NRL forward for the remainder of the 2025 Super League season, sparking questions about the club’s overseas quota status.

The Black and Whites have announced that they have signed Canterbury Bulldogs forward Liam Knight with the 30-year-old arriving in the UK last week.

He has already joined up with his teammates but it has been confirmed that he will not be available for selection on Thursday night against Leigh Leopards at the MKM Stadium.

Knight arrives in the aftermath of the season-ending injury to prop forward Ligi Sao with Sao stretchered from the field in Round Two and later confirmed to have suffered a knee injury.

Hull FC had already signed Wigan Warriors young prop Sam Eseh on a season-long loan, however, Knight brings far more experience having played a total of 89 NRL games as well as a further 69 in the New South Wales Cup.

Super League sides are allowed seven players on their overseas quota and the club are currently full on that (Sao, Cartwright, Cust, Ese’ese, Rapana, Sezer, Asiata) meaning that the injured Sao could fall victim and be released to allow Knight to be registered. It’s also believed that Hull FC could apply for dispensation which would mean they don’t have to release a player.

Hull FC sign NRL forward after star’s season-ending injury

News of Knights’ signing was confirmed by Hull FC who released a statement to share the news.

It read: “Hull FC are pleased to announce the signing of Liam Knight for the remainder of the 2025 Betfred Super League season.

“The 30-year-old, who has signed a deal with the Black & Whites until the end of the season, arrived in the United Kingdom last week and has joined up his new Hull FC team mates.”

The prop forward has previously worked under John Cartwright and played alongside Jordan Rapana and Aidan Sezer but most recently played for Canterbury Bulldogs in their NSW Cup side.

Speaking to hullfc.com, Knight said: “I’m really excited for the opportunity to come and represent such a great club like Hull FC.

“Having previously worked with John Cartwright at another club previously, I have a great deal of respect for him.

“I’m looking forward to playing under him. It’s a big opportunity for me and I’ll be doing my best to contribute for the whole team so that we can have the most successful year possible.”

Hull FC’s Chief Executive, Richie Myler, added: “We’re really pleased to bring Liam to the club and we’re all looking forward to seeing the impact he can have in our pack.

“We identified Liam as a player who could join us and do a good job in the middle of the field, and John Cartwright knows him well having worked together previously at Manly, so that is an added bonus.

“Liam’s a really hard trainer with a great attitude. He’ll be brilliant for the group.”