Hull FC have lost one Leeds Rhinos loanee this week but they’ve brought back another in Ethan O’Neill, who it’s been confirmed that they have opened talks with about a permanent deal.
The Black and Whites have seen Jeremiah Mata’utia recalled by Leeds Rhinos, however, O’Neill is back available to them for Thursday night’s game against York Knights and Last has revealed that talks have been held with the ex-Leigh man’s agent.
Speaking on his return to the 21-man squad, Last told BBC Radio Humberside: “Obviously, he’s done his recovery. He went back to his parent club at Leeds and got some treatment there and he was close last week but we just felt those extra couple of days would save him well and he’s available for us this week against York.”
When asked if something more permanent could happen, Last confirmed: “Yeah, I think there’s been some talks obviously between both clubs and obviously Ethan and obviously his agent so that’s something that the club is exploring.
“He’d be a good fit for us because he’s a none quota player, he’s versatile, he can play left side, back row, right side, back row and he’s capable up the centre as well so it’s certainly something that we’ll be exploring.”
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Hull FC coach explains Jeremiah Mata’utia exit
Whilst O’Neill will be available for Hull FC on Thursday, Jeremiah Mata’utia will not be as Leeds Rhinos have recalled the prop and when asked why, Last confirmed that the decision was made by both clubs.
“We’ve got some guys come back from obviously suspensions and coming back from long-term injury,” he explained.
“I think the emergence of Hugo Salabio, the form that he’s been in, Herman (Ese’ese) playing bigger minutes again and then Yusuf Aydin’s return, it probably was felt that those guys who were contracted would be better served obviously getting the game time rather than using obviously a lad from Leeds on loan.”
Last added: “I spoke to Jeremiah, he really, really helped us out with a tough period. He spent eight weeks with us and played some good minutes and impacted obviously on our games and he’ll be better for obviously that experience of playing some regular Super League.
“It was a loan which worked for both parties, Jez was able to get some personal experience with us and we was able to use him in a period where we was really, really low on middles but we’ve got some returning middles now so we just felt from a club point of view it was best for us to use our guys who were contracted.”
Leeds boss Brad Arthur also admitted that the Rhinos will not be taking up Mata’utia’s option for 2027, meaning the hulking prop is available to sign for next year.
On that, Last deferred discussions to CEO Richie Myler: “I think from a recruitment point of view we’re looking at all players who are available, we’ve got some guys who will be leaving in us and we’ve got some holes to fill.
“I’m sure obviously Richie is on that and I’m just concentrating obviously on the guys who are currently with us now and trying to get the best out of what we’ve got available to us at this moment.”
