Championship club sign former Hull FC man to permanent deal following successful loan

Goole Vikings have announced the signing of a former Hull FC players, in what is their seventh new addition at the club this off-season.

The Vikings, who only joined the league structure ahead of the 2025 season, finished their maiden campaign seventh in League One, one place out of the play-offs spots.

With former Super League prop Scott Taylor at the helm, the third division’s newest side have a clear recruitment strategy heading into 2026.

In what is signing number seven in total, Goole have added a promising young forward to their pack, and he comes with prior experience at the top level.

Nick Staveley joins ex-Leeds Rhinos man Shane Tuohey and former Castleford Tigers prop Brad Bullock in joining the club, with the Vikings’ aim being to bring in youngsters from Super League academies and mould them in their own shape.

Starting his career at Warrington’s academy before moving to Hull FC, Staveley made his senior debut in 2023. Injuries in 2024 and part of 2025 has seen his development halted, but will now hope to reignite his young career with the Championship new-boys.

After being released from the Black and Whites at the end of 2024, Staveley joined Sheffield Eagles. However, injury meant that he would fail to make an appearance for the South Yorkshire side, and ended up joining Goole at the back-end of the year, where he excelled.

Following five games on-loan, the forward has decided to make that short stay a permanent one, and will now spend the 2026 season at the Vikings.

Former Hull FC man wants to “enjoy my rugby again” following permanent move to Championship club

Staveley, who made eight appearances in Super League, hopes that his next venture will be a new start for him, as he looks to get back to playing regular rugby.

“I’m looking forward to joining the club full time after really enjoying my time on loan,” he explained. “I feel with the people and players in and around the club I can enjoy my rugby again and get back to being me after what’s been a really tough 18 months.

“Joining a new rugby league club that has only had one professional season is both an exciting and unique opportunity. There’s a real sense of starting from the ground up, being part of something fresh, with the chance to help shape the culture, values, and standards of the team from the outset.”

Vikings head coach, Taylor, who played for Hull in Staveley’s Super League debut, said:

“Nick is another young player who fits that mould of coming to us with a point to prove and that added motivation to succeed, both personally and within our team.

“He has had some tough luck over the last couple of years, but there were glimpses at the end of last season of the talent he has with his best years still ahead of him.”

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