Hull FC are recruiting the right sort of people as they strive to make changes and turn their fortunes around. That’s according to Ed Chamberlain, who joined the Black and Whites on loan last week and will make the permanent switch to the MKM Stadium at the end of the current campaign.
Chamberlain joined up with a side that had won just two games all season before Saturday, but on what was his second debut for the club, the 28-year-old helped Hull FC pull off an unlikely result against Wigan Warriors on Saturday. The Ireland international is one of six recruits who have been announced by the club, with John Asiata, Zak Hardaker and Oliver Holmes following him from Leigh Leopards to East Yorkshire for next season.
The centre knows how much the trio can offer the Black and Whites next season and with the club looking to develop a culture of hard work ahead of John Cartwright’s arrival in the off-season, Chamberlain believes they’ll fit in just fine. Chamberlain is also hopeful that more new additions can be secured, with Lachlan Lam, another Leigh teammate, one of those currently being linked to FC.
“That first year in Super League, I probably didn’t do myself justice, but when I did get a couple of runs at centre, I felt comfortable again,” Chamberlain told Hull Live about his time in Super League and what the future holds at Hull. “But having those familiar faces will help me.
“I remember when Johnny signed. It came out of the blue a bit, but as soon as I saw that, it showed Richie’s aspirations for Hull. That’s instantly what John gives you—you can build a team around John, and then to have people like Zak and Oggy come in, they are two real work horses that work hard for the team.
“I’d like to think we can put a combination into that and build a team around a few people like that. Hopefully, we can keep adding to it, and I can be a part of it and build. That’s my game. I’d say I’m a hard worker, too.”
He added: “Teams like Wigan and Saints do all the hard stuff, and it’s proven. They’re winning Challenge Cup finals and Grand Finals. They’ve got that many trophies based on hard work and a few skilful plays thrown in. If you base the team around hard work, you’ll go a long way.”
