Released Hull FC man Franklin Pele sin binned on debut

Franklin Pele quickly found a new club after his release from Hull FC but the prop forward found himself sin binned on debut, just like he was on his Super League debut.

Pele was actually sent off on his Super League debut with the forward landing a huge legal shot on Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella before following it up with an illegal swinging arm to the face.

That huge impact before a moment of madness summed up his time at Hull FC and it ended up being cut short this past fortnight with FC releasing the player and a brief statement explaining why.

It read: “Hull FC can confirm that Franklin Pele has been released from the remainder of his contract, and will depart the club with immediate effect.

“The club have released the forward to pursue playing opportunities elsewhere.”

That playing opportunity arose with Bradford Bulls with Franklin Pele becoming the third Hull FC player to represent the Championship side this season after Liam Tindall and Jayden Okunbor, who FC have recently recalled.

It’s safe to say that Franklin Pele made his impact on debut though with the prop sent to the sin bin once again in a 38-12 win for the Bulls.

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Franklin Pele shines despite sin bin on debut

Bradford registered a sixth win in seven courtesy of Franklin Pele setting the tone on debut alongside fellow debutant and ex-Brisbane Tigers flyer Max Lehmann, the Australian scoring the first try of the game.

Despite the large win, it wasn’t all plain sailing for Pele with the forward sent to the sin bin in the 44th minute for a high shot, although head coach Eamon O’Carroll questioned that decision in his post-match interview with West Yorkshire Radio.

O’Carroll said: “Frankie Boy did what he does, playing with a smile on his face, which is great, thought he was a bit unlucky with the 10 minutes, if I’m totally honest, but handled that really well and he was a big threat when he carried the ball.”

44′ – SIN BIN – Franklin Pele is sent to the sin bin for an alleged high shot.

🐏 6- 16 🐂

— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) June 30, 2024

Importantly, it seemed that Pele played well on account of being appreciated by his fans, something that was a struggle at the MKM Stadium with the forward much-maligned during his eight appearances.

“He has just said to me that ‘It’s nice to hear a nice chant about me’ so he’s happy,” O’Carroll noted in response to talk about the huge cheers of anticipation heard every time the 23-year-old touched the ball.

There was also credit for ex-St Helens man Elliot Peposhi and fellow debutant Max Lehmann.

“Individually, I thought some individuals were very good, I thought Franklin was awesome when he came on, and again Elliot Peposhi I thought was outstanding as well.

“Yeah, I thought Max Lehmann was really good, nice to see him get a try, but I thought he was great in backfield, brings a good energy as well, which I like about him, he certainly carried really well out of the yardage as well.”