ISAAC LIU says a long-term connection with incoming coach Steve McNamara was key to him choosing to swap Leigh Leopards for Hull FC.
The loose-forward will leave Leigh after two seasons, penning a deal for 2027 with the Black and Whites.
Liu follows a well-trodden eastward path, with Zak Hardaker, John Asiata, Tom Briscoe and Ed Chamberlain having also swapped leopard print for black and white in the past two years.
Leigh signed Liu to replace Asiata, who still has another year left on his contract at Hull having been limited to 23 appearances with the club due to injury.
And he’s the second 35-year-old to commit to Hull in as many weeks, following their capture of Daly Cherry-Evans from Sydney Roosters on a one-year deal.
Liu’s move also has its origins at the Roosters, where the former Samoa and New Zealand international made played 200 NRL games across nine seasons.
Three of those campaigns were spent with McNamara, the former England boss who will take the Hull reins next term, as an assistant coach in Sydney.
And Liu explained: “Steve McNamara was a key driving factor behind joining the club.
“I know Steve well from when we worked together at the Roosters and we had some good conversations about how I can help get Hull FC back to where it needs to be.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing in England over the last couple of years. It’s different to Australia, but myself and the family have really embraced the culture and we’re looking forward to a new chapter over in Hull.
“Hopefully I can help inspire some of the young players by bringing my game and showing them how I operate. I hope I can help them take their own games to another level.”
Hull chief executive Richie Myler said: “Isaac is such an experienced player with great leadership qualities and he will be a really important addition both on and off the field for us in 2027.
“He is a player who holds himself to a very high standard and he expects everyone in the squad to uphold those standards on their part – I think that is going to be a really important asset for us.”