FC sign Franklin Pele

Hull FC have confirmed the signing of NRL forward Franklin Pele on a two-year deal from the 2024 Betfred Super League season.

Pele joins the Black and Whites from NRL side Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs for whom he has appeared on six occasions this season. The 22-year-old made his NRL debut in 2021 for the Cronulla Sharks.

The 6ft 3in forward first impressed in the UK back in 2018 whilst playing for the Australia Schoolboys against an England Academy side which was captained by future FC teammate Cam Scott.

On the move, Pele said: "I'm really excited because it's going to be a good challenge for me. I can't wait to come over and meet all of the boys and the Hull fans, who I have heard great things about.

"I'm at the stage of my career now where I need to be playing consistent footy. Coming up against tough opposition in Super League week in, week out will help me go from strength to strength.

"Having spoken to Tony Smith and James Clark at the club, I know how much of an opportunity Hull FC is for me to be able to reach my full potential.

Hull FC boss Tony Smith added: "He's a young, hungry forward who wants to establish himself as a good Rugby League player, which he already is, but he wants to keep growing.

"Franklin certainly adds size to our pack. He's powerful, destructive and he's got a good skillset. So, he fits a lot of the right criteria that we have been looking for ahead of next year.

"I'm really looking forward to him bringing all of those ingredients to our team in 2024."