Hull FC have got their half-back target in Jake Arthur.
Jake Arthur will be a Hull FC player in 2026, with John Cartwright conceding that the club are on the verge of announcing the Australian playmaker to become their sixth new signing for next season.
Hull Live first reported Hull’s interest in Arthur at the start of August, with the player understood to have agreed to a deal with the Black and Whites – as per Tuesday’s story.
The club have made no secret of their desire to recruit a new half-back to partner Aidan Sezer next year, with Cade Cust, who recently signed an extension to his contract, set to take the ’14’ role off the interchange and cover both the half-back and hooker positions.
And now Hull, who have used the new quota allowances to their advantage, have their man in Arthur, the son of Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur. The 22-year-old, who turns 23 next month, will be the club’s third new overseas signing following on from Sam Lisone and James Bell. Domestically, Joe Batchelor, Harvie Hill, and Connor Bailey have also signed.
To date, Arthur has played 30 NRL games. He debuted for Parramatta Eels in 2021 before joining Manly Sea Eagles and then moving to Newcastle Knights mid-season, where he has played in the NRL for the last three weeks. But Super League is now the player’s next call, with Cartwright optimistic for what Arthur can do in the black and white next year.
“I’d say it’s something the club will be able to announce but not quite at the moment,” Cartwright, speaking in his weekly press conference, conceded. “He’s a steady head, has a good kicking game, and is a strong defender.
“He’s performed at a really high New South Wales Cup level at home and he’s earned his right to play a fair bit of first grade over there but he’s only 22 years of age and he’s got a lot of things in his way. He’s very skilful but that’s next year. We’ll be able to announce something soon regarding Jake.”