New Hull FC signing speaks on move as Richie Myler outlines key trait

Hull FC signing Hugo Salabio has spoken about his recent move whilst Director of Rugby has highlighted the key traits the Frenchman boasts – a player he is all too familiar with.

After Salabio’s release by rivals Huddersfield Giants, FC were quickest to the punch and confirmed a two-year deal with the French international who has been dubbed as a ‘quite raw’ talent by Richie Myler.

Since Myler’s appointment earlier in the season, the ex-Leeds Rhinos man has overseen recruitment and in signing Salabio he’s signing a player who he shares an infamous moment with.

During the 2023 season, the last of Myler’s career, Salabio was sent off and subsequently banned for seven matches for a ‘suplex ‘-style tackle on the then-Leeds Rhinos full-back.

The new Hull FC recruit simply got his timing horribly wrong, as an image of the incident (attached below) highlights, with the tackle causing outrage from Myler.

Since then, Salabio has a season with Huddersfield Giants under his belt whilst Myler has moved into an off-field role but the pair have come together again thanks to this latest deal.

What Richie Myler said about the latest Hull FC signing

Salabio was incredibly raw whilst at Wakefield, part of the reason why he, unfortunately, mistimed such a tackle, but with just 13 Super League appearances under his belt – he still remains ‘quite raw’, as explained by Myler.

In the club’s announcement of Salabio’s signing, when speaking about his newest signing, the Hull FC Director of Rugby said: “We’ve been actively looking to add some depth to our pack for some times, and Hugo fits the bill for us in that regard.

“He is a big body and brings some big size to our prop options – he’s still quite raw, but he’ll add some aggression to us and he’s got some promising physical attributes that really excite us.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him link up with us over the coming weeks as we move towards 2025.”

The released Huddersfield Giants forward has noted that a move to Hull FC is one that’s set to aid his ‘development’, as he explained: “I am excited to join Hull FC. This is an amazing opportunity for me to continue my development, and I can’t wait to represent this historic club. I want to give my best to contribute to the team’s success and I look forward to connecting with the fans over the next couple of years.”

That development will be aided massively by playing under a coach such as John Cartwright, someone who Salabio namechecked in his comments shortly after signing at the MKM for 2025 and 2026.

“Working with John Cartwright is a big opportunity,” the 24-year-old said.

“He’s got a lot of experience, and I’m confident that he will help me reach the next level in my career – I can’t wait to learn from him.

“The past few years have been full of learning, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made so far. My goal now is to use this experience to help the team and keep improving personally.”