Joe Westerman gets new Hull deal

Joe Westerman has signed a new one-year deal at Hull FC.

Westerman, 28, returned to the KCOM Stadium from Toronto Wolfpack back in April and made six appearances for the Airlie Birds in 2018.

The former Castleford and Warrington back-rower had a knee operation which ended his season in the middle of the summer.

He said: “I’m really pleased with the deal and now I can just get my head down and focus on preparing for the 2019 season – just getting fit in general.

“When I came back and made my second debut for the club, I was really enjoying my rugby again.

“I wasn’t at my fittest but I had to come back a little earlier than expected due to the injuries we have, but I really enjoyed being back out there and felt like I was playing well.

“I’ll come back fitter and stronger and I can’t wait to get cracking with the boys for the new season.”

The ex-England international has scored 72 tries in his Super League career and has moved clubs for a transfer fee on three separate occasions.

Hull Head coach Lee Radford said: “Hopefully we can get Westy fit and firing next season because he suits our style of play.

“He’s played for us a few times this season and I think he’s played a really big role in those games – we just need to get him out on the field now.

“He is a quality player, he understands the game, his role in the team and the way we play.

“You can see in the glimpses of him this season that a fit Joe Westerman can be a real asset for us next season, he will be like a new signing.”