Hull FC’s Mitieli Vulikijapani locks in Super League club for 2023

Mitieli Vulikijapani has locked in his Super League club for 2023

The centre/wingersigned an initial one-year contract extension with the Black & Whites, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2023 Betfred Super League season!

The club also have the option to extend the Fijian outside-back’s stay by a further season should he be granted permission from the armed forces.

The 28-year-old has established himself as a useful member of the Hull FC squad since joining the club last season, going on to score six tries in 18 appearances.

Proving himself to be a strong ball-runner and tough tackler, the British Army Gunner, who serves with the 47 Regiment Royal Artillery, Vulikijapani, has been granted permission to extend his time with the club.

With the army at heart, the powerful outside back was originally scouted representing the army in rugby union, and he switched codes again earlier this season to proudly represent the Army in the Babcock Trophy victory over the Royal Navy at Twickenham.

Vulikijapani has featured at centre and wing this season and adds further depth to FC’s back-line option in 2023.

He becomes the latest name to commit his future to the Black & Whites, with teammates Connor Wynne and Jordan Lane also extending their stays beyond 2022, while youngsters Davy Litten and Charlie Severs have also made the step-up with their first senior contracts this season.

Playmakers Jake Trueman and Tex Hoy are also two new recruits for the Black & Whites as Brett Hodgson’s squad continues to take shape for the 2023 campaign.

Hull FC head coach, Brett Hodgson, said: “I am thrilled that we have secured a contract extension for Mitch, he has become a big part of our group.

“He has made quick progress in the short time he has been with us and we feel his development is still on an upwards trajectory, so we’re excited to see him continue to improve.

“We brought him into the club when his understanding of the game was relatively moderate, and although he is still learning day by day, we have been pleased with how Mitch has contributed to the squad over the last 18 months.”

He added, “His performance at the weekend highlights the progress he has made in attack and defence, he made some big contributions and we are looking forward to him growing even further in our squad.”