The French player on signing for Hull, his motives, best position, two French teams, and the World Cup.
There were many motives behind Arthur Romano’s move to Hull FC. For the 27-year-old Frenchman, it’s a fresh challenge and a chance to test himself in a new country at a new club.
Arriving from Catalans Dragons last month, Romano is getting acquainted with new teammates and a new surrounding, taking it all in at pre-season training.
And for someone who has spent his entire career so far in Perpignan, it’s a welcome challenge, taking the player out of his comfort zone, but that itself serves as its own motivation.
“Maybe it’s my destiny,” Romano told Hull Live in his first interview as a Hull FC player. “My first game for Catalans was against Hull. My last game for Catalans was against Hull. Now I’m at Hull and I’m very proud to be here. The boys are very welcoming. They’ve all welcomed me in. They’ve been really good with me. I’m living in the city. It’s different, but it’s good. I’m enjoying it.”
Sold on Hull FC, Romano has put pen to paper on a two-year deal. He is the eighth new recruit at the club for next season, with the player having no doubts that the move is the right one for him.
“Last season was a very good season for Hull FC,” Romano continued. “The coach is a big coach with a big personality and I’ve heard some very good things about him. And that’s why I chose to come here. This is a big club, a club with a lot of history, and one that I want to play for.
“They made it very easy for me to come here. I’m excited to play for John (Cartwright) and for the club. I’ve been in France my whole life, and for ten years, at the same club. I wanted a different challenge and I wanted to see something different. I feel like this is a good choice for me. I get to learn a different language in a different country. I’m really excited.”
Adding depth and competition to Hull’s squad, Romano is keen to not just make up the numbers. Comfortable at centre, he can also play on the wing and in the back row and will do whatever is required of him next season.
“My favourite position is centre – but I take pleasure in playing on the wing as well,” he said. “Last season, I played back row. I played a lot of back row last season.
“I feel good playing there. But wherever the coach needs me to go, I will go. I’m ready for the battle and I’m sure I can bring something different to Hull. We have lots of competition but this is when the team are at their best. This is good. If every position can have competition, this is what we want, what I want. I want to prove myself and show I can play in the team.”
There’s also added motivation for Romano with a World Cup taking place in Australia at the end of next season. Part of the French squad that beat Jamaica in a qualifier last month, he’s determined to make his mark and knows he has to produce in the Black and White first.
“It’s always a proud moment for me to represent France and I’m always proud to put France’s jersey on,” Romano added. “France is massive for me and I was glad to participate and help them get to the World Cup. I’m proud to be French and I want to keep playing for them. I want to play in the World Cup now but before that, I need to train hard and play well for Hull. That is my first priority.”
And for the club game, 2026 is a big year for France, with Catalans playing their 20th year in Super League and Toulouse back in the top flight once again.
“It’s massive for the French rugby league,” Romano added. “We need to have two French teams. I hope in the future with Toulouse and Catalans we can make France strong. But of course, I hope to go back and win against them. I need to win against them.
“We want to win at Hull FC. We don’t just want to make the play-offs. We want more and we have to go for more. I start every year thinking I can win the competition. I want to win every game, everything. This is the mentality we need to have. I don’t play to lose. I play to win.”