NRL legend tips new Hull recruit to ‘destroy Super League’ following two-year deal

Josh McAllister
Franklin Pele, Willie Mason

NRL legend Willie Mason has tipped new Hull recruit Franklin Pele to take Super League by storm following his two-year deal from Canterbury Bulldogs. 

A former Australian Schoolboy representative, the 22-year-old became Hull’s third recruit for 2024 – and all from the NRL – earlier this week alongside fellow forwards Herman Ese’ese and Jayden Okunbor.

Pele has made just seven appearances in the competition Down Under but has been tipped to have a bright career in Super League, with six of those coming in 2023 for the Bulldogs.

He has made a further 34 appearances in the New South Wales Cup, standing at at 6ft 3in and weighing 120kg.

Replying to former Hull powerhouse Iafeta Paleaaesina, former dual-international and New South Wales representative Mason tweeted: “Young buck will destroy Super League.

“Look after the young Uso. Great human.”

Franklin Pele on Super League move

Pele is aiming for consistent first team action upon his move to England, with Hull losing forwards Chris Satae, Scott Taylor and Andre Savelio at the end of the season.

On joining the Black & Whites, Pele said: “I’m really excited because it’s going to be a good challenge for me. I can’t wait to come over and meet all of the boys and the Hull fans, who I have heard great things about.

“I’m at the stage in my career now where I need to be playing consistent footy. Coming up against tough opposition in Super League week in, week out will help me go from strength to strength.

“Having spoken to Tony Smith (head coach) and James Clark (chief executive) at the club, I know how much of an opportunity Hull FC is for me to be able to reach my full potential.”

Head coach Tony Smith added: “A big part of Franklin coming over to Hull FC is his appetite to play regular rugby league, and we’re extremely excited to have him in our ranks for 2024. He’s certainly a player our fans can get excited about.

“He’s a young, hungry forward who wants to establish himself as a good rugby league player, which he already is, but he wants to keep growing.

“Franklin certainly adds size to our pack. He’s powerful, destructive and he’s got a good skillset. So he fits a lot of the right criteria that we have been looking for ahead of next year.

“I’m really looking forward to him bringing all of those ingredients to our team in 2024.”

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