Hull FC sign Carlos Tuimavave for 2016
Hull FC have confirmed that Carlos Tuimavave is joining them from Newcastle Knights for the 2016 season, with the 23-year-old signing a three-year deal.
The move remains subject to international clearance, but the former Junior Kiwis skipper and now full Samoa international is looking forward to playing for one of Super League‘s most passionate fan bases.
“I am excited to be joining Hull next season and the opportunity to play regular first grade football at one of the biggest clubs in Super League,” he said.
“While I am focused on finishing the season well at the Knights, I am looking forward to moving my family to England and making a positive contribution to Hull Football Club.
“Hull are a big club with a great fan base and I’m looking forward to getting over there to sample the atmosphere and competition.”
Tuimavave has played 14 NRL games, notching three tries. He has over 50 Toyota Cup games to his name.
Hull coach Lee Radford believes that the utility back can make a big impression in west Hull.
“We’re really looking forward to him coming over and it’s a signing we are really excited about,” he said.
“He’s a ball player and has a fantastic running game, as well as being defensively sound. I think he’ll be suited to our competition and his best years are definitely in front of him.
“He has finesse and a bit of X-factor about him, the style of player that can create something from nothing.
“He can cover a number of positions but we feel we need a bit more competition in the centres. He can play full-back and in the halves but we want him to come and put real pressure on the centre spot.
“In terms of household names in the NRL, he probably isn’t that yet but at only 23 years-old he is coming over here to improve as a player.
“I’m confident that our environment can bring out his potential, as we have done with other overseas players we have recruited such as Jordan Rankin, Steve Michaels and Fetuli Talanoa.
“We made some inquiries 12 months ago but unfortunately he’d committed to the Knights so I was over the moon to find out there was a chance of bringing him in. I’m confident he’ll become a real favourite with our supporters.”