Hull FC have signed a Super League forward on a season-long loan deal in the aftermath of star Ligi Sao being ruled out for the year.
Sao had to be stretchered from the field in the loss to Wigan Warriors with the forward later confirmed to have suffered a knee injury that would sideline him for up to a year.
Taking to X, Hull FC confirmed: “John Cartwright has confirmed that Ligi Sao’s knee injury sustained on Friday night will rule him out for 9-12 months.”
It’s a massive blow for both Sao and the club but the Black and Whites have moved swiftly in an attempt to replace their prop forward.
They’ve done that by securing a season-long loan for Wigan Warriors forward Sam Eseh who played four games for the Airlie Birds in 2024 whilst on loan.
Eseh will not be available for Hull FC on Friday night in their game against Huddersfield Giants with the loan deal announced after John Cartwright named his 21-man squad.
Hull FC sign Super League forward on loan after star’s season-ending injury
Credit: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
News of Eseh’s loan came later with both Wigan and Hull releasing statements to confirm the deal.
Hull FC announced: “Hull FC are pleased to welcome Sam Eseh back to the club on a season-long loan deal.
“The 21-year-old arrives back at the MKM Stadium from Wigan Warriors, adding extra depth to the Black & Whites’ pack.”
Despite signing for Wigan ahead of the 2024 season, Eseh is yet to make his senior debut for Matt Peet’s side so a loan move to a Super League team where he’ll likely earn plenty of game time makes a lot of sense.
As well as being loaned to Hull FC in 2024, Eseh also joined Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos on short-term deals with the 21-year-old making a total of ten appearances in Super League, adding to the 14 he had with Wakefield Trinity in his breakout 2023 campaign.
