Hull pull off Fitzgibbon coup

Hull FC have announced their first major signing for the 2010 by announcing that former Australian international loose-forward Craig Fitzgibbon will join the club.

The 31-year old has signed a one year deal at the KC Stadium, with an option of a further year in 2011.

And he admits that he is excited about the prospect of playing in Super League.

“I am really happy about this deal. It’s all happened so quickly that it has come as a bit of a shock but I now can’t wait to come across to England.

“I am a big fan of Super League and I’m fully aware that Hull are a big club with massive ambitions.”

Coach Richard Agar, along with current player Peter Cusack also had a massive influence on him joining the club.

“In my talks with the club I have been really impressed with coach Richard Agar and what he has had to say and what he’s looking for from me.

“I’ve also had some big raps about the place from Yak [Peter Cusack] who is a close family friend of mine and our wives are also big friends.

“I believe the timing is just right and that’s why I’m really looking forward to coming.”

Fitzgibbon has a wealth of experience, picking up 19 test caps while also being a prolific points scorer at domestic level. At his current club Sydney Roosters, he has scored 1,394 points scoring 33 tries and 629 goals and that is something Agar believes will help the Airlie Birds.

“I think he is a very good player, he has captained his club and his record speaks for itself, he is the record points scorer for a forward,” said Agar.

“He has 15 Test caps, played in 11 Origin games, he has played at the top level in Australia for many years.

“Craig will bring a lot to the team both on and off the field. He’ll bring consistency on the field and he can play various roles within your team. He is very effective whether he is playing in the middle or on the edge.

“He also brings leadership but also off the field, Craig is the kind of person who imparts a lot of influence on the other players around him. When you get a player of his stature players tend to gravitate towards them.

“In addition the youngsters here will benefit from having a player like him around. We have seen it in the past with players like Craig coming in and being willing to impart their knowledge and experience.

“During our negotiations with Craig I had a number of conversations with him and he is very excited about coming here and having a new challenge.”