Josh Griffin’s arrival at Hull FC in 2017 will be a nice addition to their squad. He adds size to an already powerful team, and there’s no doubting the danger he possesses near an opponent’s line.
While signing a player of his quality has been welcomed, it was surprising to some that Lee Radford had identified the centre as a key target, given he already has Jack Logan, Steve Michaels, Kirk Yeaman and Carlos Tuimavave in his talented roster.
There has been talk that Michaels could leave the KC Stadium at the end of the year, but even then, to still have four quality centres would be considered a luxury by most coaches.
But Griffin’s arrival is perhaps an indication that Carlos Tuimavave’s role in the Hull FC squad is set to change.
For months now we have heard about the Airlie Birds’ ongoing pursuit of a stand-off for next season, with Leon Pryce expected to leave the club. But what if Hull already has his replacement in the shape of Tuimavave?
The New Zealander is spending more time playing at number six. He impressed in the role when Hull defeated Wakefield back in March and he has gone on to make further appearances in the halves since returning from injury, keeping Pryce out of the team.
With 24-year-old Tuimavave currently partnering Marc Sneyd, who only turned 25 this year, Lee Radford could well have found a partnership that can thrive in the years to come.
The only person who might be unhappy with that situation is Tuimavave himself, who recently told Lee Radford of his aspirations to play at left centre. But with Kirk Yeaman still going strong and Jack Logan improving, Tuimavave’s abilities might be best utilised at stand-off going forward.
If that is what the future holds, it could very well bring an end to the widely speculated search for a stand-off for 2017. Blake Green, Thomas Leuluai and Lee Gaskell have been three names linked with a move to West Hull, but it doesn’t appear that any of those players will be needed next year.