Hull FC have announced the signing of former Bradford Bulls youngster Curtis Naughton from Sydney Roosters – just as League Express told you several weeks ago.
The former England Academy and Bradford Bulls player has spent the last year in Australia with the Roosters, but is returning to Super League with the Black and Whites for 2015 on an initial one-year deal, with the club holding the option of a further 12-months.
Naughton is Hull’s fifth signing ahead of next season, and will give Hull’s backs much needed competition looking ahead to the season, with his utility at both full-back and the halves a real blessing for the Black and Whites.
Having impressed at academy level in England and reserve grade in Australia, he now has the chance to push for regular first grade appearances at the KC Stadium, having been tipped to star by Fitzgibbon who provided the youngster with a glowing recommendation having heard the news that he was returning to England with his family.
“I can’t wait to get back to the UK and begin Pre-Season training as well as meeting my new team mates,” Naughton said.
“Hull FC was an obvious choice for me because it has a fantastic fan base, a great stadium and a young energetic team of coaches, who are willing to give players the chance in the first team on merit.
“I have spoken to Lee [Radford] a couple of times and he is one of the many reasons why I believe Hull is the place for me, I used to love watching him in the first grade at the Bulls when I was younger.
“He believes I can do a job and I cannot wait to repay the faith he has shown in me by putting in good performances.
“During my time at the Roosters I feel I have developed as a player and a professional, and working alongside stars such as Anthony Minichiello and Mitchell Pearce has been a great experience for me on and off the field.”
“Speaking to Craig Fitzgibbon he only has good things to say about his times at the club, so I’m really looking forward to getting over there. I firmly believe Hull is a Club where I can become an established Super League player, and there is a great mix of seasoned professionals and young lads.
“With such a talented squad I am fully aware that competition is going to be tough for a shirt, but we all start out as a number on day one of pre-season training.”
