Hull FC raid Leigh Leopards for New Zealand international
Isaac Liu in action for Leigh Leopards in 2026
Hull FC have signed Leigh Leopards forward Isaac Liu for the 2027 Super League season, Love Rugby League understands.
The New Zealand international will join the Black and Whites on a 12-month contract as part of the club’s plans to bolster their squad ahead of Steve McNamara’s arrival next season.
Liu, 35, is currently with Leigh, where he has spent the last two seasons under Adrian Lam after joining the club from Gold Coast Titans. But with his contract with the club coming to an end, the Black and Whites have made their move and have secured a deal for the forward ahead of next year.
Liu enjoyed a hugely successful career in the NRL before his move to Super League, predominantly playing for Sydney Roosters before joining the Titans. He made over 200 appearances in the NRL and was part of the Roosters side that won the NRL in 2018 and 2019.
What will stand out for Hull is Liu’s durability. A club plagued by injuries for years, Liu has missed just one Super League game since his arrival at Leigh and has already made 56 appearances in less than two seasons.
The club have been reshaping their squad ahead of 2027, with the likes of Bailey Hodgson and Alrix Da Costa secured as new recruits for next year. They have most recently been linked with a sensational move for Kangaroos halfback Daly Cherry-Evans in a deal that is looking likely to be finalised shortly.
The 12-month nature of the agreement also gives both player and club flexibility. Liu will 36 by the time the 2027 season gets underway and that experience has proven attractive to the club, but they also will not be overly committed to the player in the long-term.
As for Leigh it is another departure from their pack, with the likes of Robbie Mulhern and Owen Trout already on the way out, joining Castleford Tigers and Cronulla Sharks respectively. Aaron Pene has already left, though Lazarus Vaalepu has signed and Leigh are hoping that they can secure a deal for Kai O’Donnell before the transfer deadline, with their former back-rower looking likely to sign for them in 2027 anyway.
