Tony Smith provides update on Jamie Shaul and Hull FC’s recruitment

Hull FC boss Tony Smith has confirmed that Jamie Shaul will be part of his plans for the 2023 season.

The fullback, who spent part of last season on loan at Wakefield, was seemingly set to join Trinity on a permanent deal for 2023 only a few weeks ago.

However, Smith has confirmed that the deal taking Shaul to Belle Vue has fallen through and that, as things stand, the 30-year-old will return to the Black and Whites for pre-season training.

“There have been some changes around Jamie over the last little while,” Smith told BBC Radio Humberside. “There was a deal done between the club, Jamie and Wakefield, but that’s now fallen through.

“By all accounts Jamie will now be re-joining us for the coming season. He is certainly on my list to speak to, which I haven’t had chance to do while some of that behind-the-scenes stuff was going on, which was all done prior to my appointment.

“But yeah, it has all changed in the last few days, but we will get together, Jamie and I, and we’ll look to get on the same page and get him back into some of the best form he has ever been in.

“That’s what the ambition will be, to get him back into contention for selection over the coming months.”

Meanwhile, the new Hull FC boss also confirmed that the club are not in the market for any players in the immediate short-term following the arrival of Jake Clifford from Newcastle Knights last week.

Clifford joins Tex Hoy, Liam Sutcliffe, Brad Dwyer and Jake Trueman as the club’s new additions for 2023, though Smith has not completely ruled out more signings.

“We’ve been able to do some business on the back of Jake Connor’s decision to go elsewhere and free up space so we have been able to get Jake Clifford.

“But in terms of other recruitment at the moment, we’re not in a position to do that at this stage. If things change then certainly.

“The job of any coach is to improve the team going forward but I don’t want anything stretched when it can’t be stretched.

“I’m happy to get the best out of what we have got, I’m happy to develop young players and also help the senior players improve too.

“As much as we would love to have a roster of world class players, it is not feasible. I’m pleased with what we have got and we might surprise some people next season.”