Hull FC: NRL boss confirms transfer with ‘great result’ for club and player

Josh McAllister
Jayden Okunbor, Hull FC,

Jayden Okunbor of the Bulldogs is tackled during the NRL Round 19 match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. Photo by AAP Image/Mark Evans.

Canterbury Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has confirmed Hull FC’s signing of Jayden Okunbor for the 2024 Super League season. 

Hull Live reported the move on Thursday for the 26-year-old, who can play both winger and back-rower, with the club’s overseas recruitment nearing completion for next season.

The Black & Whites have already confirmed the signing of Herman Ese’ese from the Dolphins on a three-year deal from the 2024 season.

Hull had previously been linked with out-of-favour Wests Tigers Shawn Blore and Papua New Guinea international Jacob Alick, but look to have signed their back-rower in Okunbor.

The utility, who started his career as an outside-back, made his NRL debut against Wests Tigers in 2019 and played 10 games in his first season, scoring five tries.

To date, he has made 43 appearances in the competition Down Under, crossing for 15 four-pointers.

Jayden Okunbor move confirmed

NRL great Gould shared on Twitter: “Jayden Okunbor has announced his signing with UK Super League club Hull FC.

“A great result for Jayden and Hull FC. He will do very well.

“We will be cheering for him.”

Hull Live have also reported that Franklin Pele is set to make the move from Canterbury Bulldogs on a two-year contract.

Meanwhile, there are a handful of players still off-contract at the MKM Stadium.

Hookers Danny Houghton and Joe Lovodua, playmaker Ben McNamara and full-back Jamie Shaul all remain without deals beyond the current campaign.

Scott Taylor, 32, is also in the final few months of his contract, while there is an option for 2024 for Mitieli Vulikijapani.

Brad Dwyer is expected to return to former club Warrington for 2024, while the club have confirmed exits for Andre Savelio and Adam Swift, with the pair linked with Ian Watson’s Huddersfield.

Forward Chris Satae will also head to France next year and join Catalans on a two-year contract.

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NRL Canterbury Bulldogs