We have seen so many star Super League players linked with moves to the NRL and many of them halfbacks. Leeds Rhinos star Aidan Sezer has been linked with returning to Australia and St Helens’ Lewis Dodd can’t seem to escape links to the NRL. Warrington Wolves tied down George Williams after NRL interest from Wests Tigers whilst Leigh Leopards Lachlan Lam is reportedly being chased by Canberra Raiders.
He isn’t alone in that either. There has been a lot of talk about Hull FC star Jake Clifford going back to the NRL.
Clifford has been one of the signings of the season after arriving at Hull alongside Tex Hoy from Newcastle Knights.
The halfback joined from Newcastle Knights and took on the number seven shirt.
Under the radar for most of the year, there is an argument to be made that he has been Super League’s best number seven in 2023. It could be said that it is either him or Leigh Leopards’ Lachlan Lam.
Great for the Black and Whites, a former Hull FC player in the shape of Paul Cooke is fearful he could head home in 2024.
“Clifford was immense again, there’s a really interesting one with him because West Tigers have just let Luke Brooks go to Manly for next season,” he said on BBC Radio Humberside.
“If I’m at West Tigers with Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah are there as coaches then Jake Clifford could be very much on their radar.
“It would be really disappointing for Hull FC to lose him, but you can hardly blame him if he goes home.
“With the form he’s in, I think he’s arguably the most consistent signing from overseas in the 2023 Super League.
“I think he’s been immense for Hull. When he plays well, then they play much better.”
Now Cooke has added to his claims about Clifford heading back home.
He said on the OurLeague app: “I know Clifford is attracting interest from the NRL.”
Hull will certainly want to find a way to keep the halfback.
