It’s been a frustrating off-season for Hull FC fans, with plenty of names linked before never coming to fruition.
The Airlie Birds have seen a number of targets go astray, with Ben Jones-Bishop thought to be high up on their list before opting for a move to Wakefield.
Hull FC head coach Lee Radford has insisted that he is happy with his squad, even if no new signings come through the door. Whilst FC do still look relatively strong, there’s undoubtedly space for more players in their squad. Here are five players that could help boost the quality of their roster going into 2016.
Willie Tonga
Position: Centre
It’s never quite worked for the Australian international at Catalans. After sustaining a bad injury in his very first game, he ended up making 18 appearances and scoring six tries.
Tonga was pushed out to the wing at times, which isn’t his favoured position, and with Pat Richards coming in amongst an influx of others, Tonga might be free to find a new club.
His talents are undoubted, and given a fair shot in Super League he could well become a strong performer in any Super League side.
Kevin Locke
Position: Full-back
He came over with huge expectations on his shoulders, and ultimately failed to deliver.
His spell at Salford was a disaster, and although he started well at Wakefield, injuries and off-field problems meant it all ended unceremoniously.
But, there is absolutely no questioning his talents. Before arriving in England he was regarded as one of the world’s best, and as they say, you don’t lose it overnight.
One criticism of Hull is their lack of pure quality in the big moments. Adding Locke to their squad would bring that to the table.
Jamal Idris
Position: Centre/Second-Row
It’s no secret that Idris is in talks over a move to Super League, and the Airlie Birds could well be up there as a contender for his signature.
After bursting onto the scene as a teenager at Canterbury, he looked set to be one of the next big stars of the game, with a call-up to the Australian squad at the age of 20 further backing up that claim.
However since then it just hasn’t gone the way many would have anticipated, with the latest development in his career seeing him take a hiatus from Penrith for not being in the ‘right state of mind’.
A move to England could be the perfect opportunity for him to resurrect his career. At the age of 25 he has time on his side, and Hull FC would do great to have the 6ft 5 monster in their ranks.
Ben Pomeroy
Position: Centre
Out-of-contract after leaving Catalans, Pomeroy is still a talented player who could improve a lot of Super League sides.
He might have the odd WWE-style suplex in his locker, but the likes of Jack Logan could benefit from his experience whilst he could also provide cover and competition for Logan and Carlos Tuimavave.
Admittedly, he wouldn’t be the big name the fans are hoping for, but he would prove to be a useful addition to the squad.
Brett Ferres
Position: Second-row
If you’d have pitched this idea a week ago, you’d have been laughed at.
But now it would appear that Huddersfield are keen to offload England’s star second-rower after being suspended by the club, with The Sun on Sunday reporting that he was allegedly caught with the wife of a team-mate by his own wife.
If that’s true, it’s unlikely Ferres’ future shall be at Huddersfield, but after signing a long-term deal earlier this year, he is likely to be on a big wage.
There aren’t many clubs who have space in the salary cap to afford him, but one club that has the potential to is Lee Radford’s side.
It goes without saying that Ferres possesses immense quality, with his performance against New Zealand in the first test earning him man-of-the-match.
NRL sides are already sniffing around Ferres, but Hull FC might just be able to pull off what would be a huge coup.
