Hull FC have strengthened their forward line for 2014 with the signing of back rower Chris Tuson from Wigan Warriors on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old, who was offered a two-year contract to stay at the DW Stadium, was in line to join Wakefield Wildcats in the off-season.
Tuson becomes the fourth new recruit for 2014 in a pack that includes fellow back rower Jordan Thompson and the exciting impact signings of Super League hitmen Mickey Paea and Iafeta Paleaaesina.
Tuson said, “This is a great opportunity for me and I am joining an ambitious club that is certainly making positive steps forward.
“I decided that it was the right time to leave Wigan and the opportunity to join Hull FC was too good to refuse.
“I had a couple of options on the table, which included Wakefield who made me a very good offer, but I think it is a no brainer for any player when a club like this comes along.”
He added, “They’re similar to Wigan in many ways and hopefully the club can push on and enjoy the success they have over the last few years. I am really excited about playing my part in that.”
Meanwhile, head coach Lee Radford said, “Chris will bring plenty of aggression and competiveness to our pack next season which will be very valuable to the squad.
“He was held in high regard at Wigan and has developed in a strong culture there, which we want him to bring to the club. We are trying to develop that winning mentality here and build an environment for hard working and dedicated professionals, which Chris fits that bill.
“He is a tough, aggressive and combative player and he gives us another option in our pack, particularly in the back row where he is keen to cement a regular place in the side and he will have plenty of competition, particularly with the likes of our home grown lads pushing too such as Liam Kent and Dean Hadley who will be in the frame for a place.
He added, “If you add players like that to the likes of Feka and Mickey who are both coming in for next season, it will add a new dimension to our pack which is very exciting for us.”
Tuson has made 82 appearances in his career to date, which included spells on loan at Blackpool and Castleford as a youngster.
He has played 20 times for Wigan this season, including a Challenge Cup Final appearance against Hull FC at Wembley earlier this season.
