The new Hull FC half-back on facing his dad, talks with John Cartwright, and settling into a new club and country.
The Super League fixtures come out on November 27 and there’s no second-guessing who new Hull FC recruit Jake Arthur wants first.
The son of Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur, the 23-year-old is gearing up for a crack against his dad in what is already a full-blooded Yorkshire Derby. But now it has extra meaning, with the Arthurs set to go head-to-head at both Headingley and the MKM Stadium next year.
Arriving at the Black and Whites on a two-year deal, the half-back, who played for Parramatta Eels under his father before moving onto Manly Sea Eagles and Newcastle Knights, is one of eight new recruits at the club – and he’s looking to make his mark, both at Hull and in the wider competition.
“I came up against my dad once in the NRL and he beat me so I’ve definitely got to get one back on him now,” Arthur told Hull Live in his first UK media interview. “It’s definitely a game I’m looking forward to. It’s exciting and it all adds to it. I just can’t wait to get started.”
Of course, the Rhinos boss played a role in getting his son to Super League – helping make up Jake’s mind as he signed for Hull FC.
“He said that it’s a really good competition,” Arthur continued. “In Australia, I was playing a lot of New South Wales Cup and he said it’s a big step up from that. He said the quality is really good and it’s getting better and better every year.
“He thought it would be a good idea for me and I was right behind it. Obviously, I wanted to come and I just want to enjoy it now.”
As well as his dad’s advice, Arthur was sold after one conversation with Hull frontman John Cartwright. The Aussie coach has been brewing a storm at the Black and Whites for the last year and is itching to unleash the next stage of a club on the up once again.
“I think there’s a real quality side here,” Arthur said. “There are a lot of good players that I’ve watched in the NRL and then in the Super League as well.
“Once we get everyone on the park all together at the same time, I think we can really build something and get some good connections going.
“I also really liked the way Carty spoke and how he talked about the club. He spoke about how much potential is here and he made me really excited to join. As soon as I finished speaking to him, I knew I really wanted to come here.”
Settled into his new surroundings, Arthur arrived in the UK last month and has been training since the get-go. Living in the city, he’s only an hour away from his dad and is already getting to grips with a new club and group of teammates.
“I’m really enjoying it – it’s been an awesome first couple of weeks,” Arthur said. “Everyone has been really welcoming and there’s a really good vibe around the place.
“There’s a really good community around here and training has been good. I wanted to get straight into it on day one and earn the respect of all the boys. I’ve really enjoyed it so far. We started week one testing and building into full training from there.
“As for life off the field, I’m enjoying it. It’s not that cold yet, but I’ve got mu puffer jacket ready. But no, having Dad here helps. He’s been here for the last year and a half so I haven’t really seen him too much.
“It’s good to be only an hour away and it helped with the move over here. I lived with him the first week and was driving over. It just gave me some time to find a place in Hull that I wanted to move into. It was a massive help.”
And as pre-season builds, Arthur will get acquainted with Hull’s leader and skipper: Aidan Sezer. Forming a new half-back combination, the young Aussie is gearing up for what’s ahead.
“I’ve watched plenty of Seze,” he said. “He’s a really good player. He has a lot of qualities that I would like to learn. We play a similar style, and hopefully, I can learn from him, get some advice, and add some new things to my game. I’m really excited to get amongst it.
“I like to play on the ball. The more I’m touching the ball, the better I play. My strengths are creating space for my teammates and giving other players other opportunities to play their best footy.
“I like to play straight into the line and kick the ball well. If I can do that, build my game off my defence, and do all the effort areas, the rest of it comes naturally to me.
“But it’s the same for any half – we always want to be attacking and taking on opportunities. I just can’t wait to get into the first game and get stuck into it. I’m really excited.”