Hull FC sign Championship centre

Correspondent

Hull FC have signed young centre Nick Rawsthorne from Halifax for the 2017 season.

As one of the Championship‘s brightest prospects, the 20-year-old has signed an initial one-year deal, with an option in the club’s favour should they wish to extend his deal.

He can play centre or full-back and is a confident goal kicker.

Speaking to hullfc.com, he said: “I’ve grown up playing mostly rugby union but I have really enjoyed league as well and I am aiming to make a name for myself at Hull FC.

“I am prepared to make the step-up to Super League and push for a first team place, whether that is this year or a few years down the line.

“I’m really excited to work with Lee [Radford] and I think he will be able to get the most out of me.”

He added, “I know that he is excellent at bringing youth through and it is one of his key focuses as a coach, he’s given debuts to numerous youngsters over the last couple of years.”

A convert from rugby union, where he represented England U18s and Leeds Carnegie, Rawsthorne also had a spell in the academy at Leeds Rhinos before joining Halifax.

As a junior he grew up playing union, but did win three national rugby league trophies whilst at school and played for amateur club, Siddal, in West Yorkshire.

Rawsthorne has impressed with a string of consistent performances for Halifax RFLC Reserves this season, including two tries earlier this year against Hull FC Reserves.

Hull FC head coach Lee Radford believes the talented centre has the potential to make it as a top flight Super League player in the future.

“I’m really pleased to add Nick to the squad next year, I think he has all the attributes to become a first-team regular for our club,” he said.

“He has been very impressive in the reserves competition this year for Halifax, particularly when he played against us, whilst is accuracy with his goal kicking is also a real plus.

“He is at a great age to progress his career to the next level and along with Jack Logan coming through the long term future of our outside backs looks very promising.”

Rawsthorne is the club’s third new arrival for next season, alongside Josh Griffin and Jake Connor.