Hull FC are interested in bringing Jake Arthur to Super League, John Cartwright has confirmed.
The Newcastle Knights half-back is off contract this season and he is one player the Black and Whites are keen on as they look to add a playmaker to their squad for next season.
Hull have already been linked with a move for Jock Madden but the Brisbane Broncos has now signed for Wests Tigers and Arthur, the son of Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur, is the latest stand-off of interest.
The Australian has been named in the halves for the Knights this week against Penrith Panthers in what is set to be his first NRL appearance for the club, having joined from Manly Sea Eagles earlier this year.
Cartwright was candid when asked about Arthur during his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon, admitting he is someone the club are talking to. However, he admitted the 22-year-old is yet to make a final decision on his future.
“We’re talking to a lot of players. He’s one of them,” Cartwright said.
The head coach added to Serious About Rugby League: “He can play an organising half, he can play on his edge, we’ve done a fair bit of homework on him.
“He’s made his way into first-grade at Newcastle this week, I don’t know how that factors into his decision, how he plays this week but I think he would do really well in Super League.”
Hull FC boss keen to add a centre
If Arthur were to sign, he would become the 10th and final overseas player at the MKM Stadium for next season. But, it seems that wouldn’t be the final piece of the recruitment jigsaw with Cartwright keen to add an outside back to the club’s ranks.
“We have a bit of scope,” Cartwright said when asked if he anticipated much more business. “We’re probably a little bit thin in the centres, the centre area.
“The boys that have played there this year have done a great job. There’s been a lot of changing of positions in there. When you look to complete your side, you’d love a Tesi Niu-type player. I think everyone would love to have a player like him at the moment but they’re hard to find.”
