Hull FC interim coach Andy Last has had no conversations regarding a potential swap deal that would see Amir Bourouh leave the club and Catalans’ Solomona Faataape arrive.
Last confirmed no knowledge of the reported deal when speaking to BBC Radio Humberside in his pre-match presser ahead of Saturday’s clash at home to Leigh Leopards.
Reports of the potential swap deal between Hull FC and Catalans came earlier in the week from Love Rugby League with Catalans, whose head coach is ex-Black and Whites boss John Cartwright, reportedly keen on signing Amir Bourouh.
Bourouh, who is contracted until the end of 2027 anyway, is expected to have competition for the starting nine shirt in 2027 with Hull FC reportedly signing Catalans’ Alrix Da Costa already, hence why Les Dracs may want a hooker.
Per the swap deal reports, Hull FC would be willing to let Bourouh leave but they’ve apparently identified centre Solomona Faataape as someone that they would want in exchange.
Whether a deal is done will come down to Richie Myler and those in charge at Catalans but when asked about the matter, Andy Last confirmed that he was aware of the reports but that he’d not spoken to any involved party.
“I can’t tell you anything on that,” Last responded.
“That’s reporting from obviously yourselves so there hasn’t been any conversations with myself with regards to Amir and Faataape.”
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Hull FC coach calls on player focus amid transfer reports
Amir Bourouh is not the first contracted Hull FC player linked with a move away with plenty have been reported on captain Aidan Sezer and a possible exit, and when asked if such discussions have had an impact on the playing group, Andy Last was clear and firm.
“It shouldn’t have an effect on the group,” he said.
“They’re professional players at the end of the day and when you’re in sport you can be on a five-year contract but a new coach comes in, he has a difference of opinion.
“We see it all the time in sport, someone gets tapped on a shoulder so as professional players, professional sport is a fragile occupation to be part of. There’s always change.”
He instead called for focus and application, stating that players who are playing well make it harder for decisions on their future to be made.
Last said: “I think the best way to apply yourself and deal with that is just making sure that you’re doing the day-to-day well and applying yourself with professionalism and working hard and making sure that you just take care of performance because you don’t tend to change someone who’s doing a great job.
“We just need to make sure that we’ve got plenty of players just doing a good job and make it as difficult as we can for people to make decisions whether they stay or go.”
