Super League side look to NRL to strengthen pack

As we come to the climax of the 2023 Super League season we also arrive at the stage where deals for 2024 get done and confirmed with recent major moves including Catalans Dragons Tyrone May signing for Hull KR, whilst two weeks ago we saw Daryl Clarke confirmed as James Roby’s replacement at St Helens as well as Wigan Warriors looking for the future in young prop Tyler Dupree.

All of those signings were internal to Super League though, but there have been plenty that are incoming from the NRL.

One of those that was announced earlier this week was the arrival of Herman Ese’ese at Hull FC with the prop forward destined for the KCOM in 2024.

Ese’ese joins from the Dolphins where he had struggled for game time but the 28-year-old brings over 125 games of NRL experience as well as international honours for both Samoa and New Zealand.

He’s actually the nephew of former Leeds Rhinos legend Ali Lauiti’iti and Ese’ese could be joined by another current NRL forward according to reports down under.

Fox Sports have claimed that Wests Tigers second rower Shawn Blore has been subject to interest from the Black and Whites.

Blore is still under contract for the 2024 season but having failed to tie down a spot in the struggling side then it’s understood that Tony Smith’s side could be interested in his services.

At just 23 Blore missed all of the 2022 season due to a ruptured ACL but has featured 11 times this season, and could be a major addition to FC’s pack.

It’s a forward pack that will lose Chris Satae to Catalans in 2024 whilst the likes of Scott Taylor are also off contract.

The move for Ese’ese is vital and adding Blore would be another huge boost.

On his move, Ese’ese said: “I’m really excited to be making the move; I’ve always wanted to come over to Super League and test myself on that side of the world. I’m only 28 years-old and feel like I’m in the prime of my career right now, so I’m thrilled to be spending the next three years with Hull.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to wear the Black & White jersey, and play for a club with such a rich history – I can’t wait to work with Tony and the lads.”

He continued: “Growing up, you always dream of playing in the NRL and playing at an international level. But now I want to come to Super League while I’ve got some of my best years ahead of me. I didn’t want to come over too late in my career – I still have a lot of footy to give and I want to do that with a great club.”