
Former Hull FC star Jake Clifford could, reportedly, make a shock return to Super League after struggling for NRL appearances.
The half-back, who has been between the Queensland Cup and NRL games for North Queensland Cowboys, had an excellent year with FC after signing, alongside Tex Hoy, from Newcastle Knights ahead of the 2023 season.
He wanted to give NRL “another crack”, but his inability to tie down a starting place, however, may mean he thinks of a return to England.
He has only made three NRL appearances this year – but after being impressive at stand-off last week in a win over Penrith Panthers, he way now get a more extended run of games.
Recently, he made headlines when, speaking to SEN Radio, Clifford said: “Pre-season in England was a piece of piss really, compared to what we go through here.”
Now, with Love Rugby League breaking that he could be a target for Super League clubs, here are some sides he could be an option for.
Super League Quiz: How many of these former players can you name?
Three Super League clubs who could be in for Jake Clifford
St Helens

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Being one of the best sides in Super League, there are very few players from within British sides that would make a genuine improvement to their side.
However, with Lewis Dodd leaving, a space has opened up – they need to sign another half.
Moses Mybe, likely to remain with Saints next year, has been good in his recent appearances in the role, but they may prefer to keep him as an option to play at hooker.
Clifford would likely pair well with Jonny Lomax, making this one of the few realistic moves that Saints could make that would bring them real quality.
This would mark a move to a side he was impressive against in 2023, after orchestrating a first Hull FC win in 17 attempts.
Castleford Tigers

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One of only a few Super League sides that currently have a quota spot available, this would be a remarkable signing for Craig Lingard’s team.
Now that Charbel Tasipale has left, there’s one remaining, with Jacob Miller and Tex Hoy the playmarkers currently taking other spaces.
As previously mentioned, Clifford came to Super League alongside Tex Hoy, and the former teammates at both Newcastle Knights and Hull FC would surely relish a third opportunity to play with each other.
After investment, there’s a chance that the Tigers have the financial pulling power for the move, and they have plenty of cap space left.
Now with very few half-back options, after Danny Richardson’s departure, it’s likely that Cas will look to use the quota space in this role: although Milnes has improved of late, Jacob Miller is still struggling to impress: and the only other player that has started in the halves for Cas this year is Paul McShane.
Craig Lingard has spoken about potentially making marquee signings next year – enter Jake Clifford?
Huddersfield Giants

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Currently, the Giants have all seven quota spots filled – but two won’t be taken up in 2025, as Esan Marsters has signed for Salford Red Devils and Luke Yates will be lining up for Warrington Wolves.
They’ll be losing some of their playmaking fire-power with full-back Jake Connor likely to leave the club – especially after being made available for loan recently – and that means a potential half-back option is leaving.
That leaves Adam Clune, Oli Russell and Tui Lolohea as their options, but after a disappointing season for Ian Watson’s men, more competition would surely be a huge improvement.
Clune and Lolohea are contracted until 2026, so they’ll almost certainly still be around, and being up against Jake Clifford would likely elevate their play.
