It is the end of an era for one Hull FC and Super League icon – as Richard Whiting is set to leave the KC Stadium after over a decade’s service to the club.
He is joining Leigh Centurions on a permanent basis following the end of this season, as an extension to the loan deal he signed with the club earlier this season.
It means Whiting’s time at Hull FC, with whom he has made over 200 appearances as a player, has come to an end.
Leigh confirmed that they have agreed with Hull to extend Whiting’s loan deal until the end of the current season, with Whiting agreeing a contract with Leigh Centurions until the end of the 2017 season.
Upon confirming his departure from the club, Whiting told HullFC.com: “The fans have been brilliant throughout my time at the club and have adopted me as one of their own.
“I think most people see me as a Hull lad now having been there for twelve years and I leave a great club with many fond memories.
“I’d like to wish the club well for the future and will keep a close eye on their progress and I’m relishing the challenge ahead with the Centurions.”
Hull FC coach Lee Radford said: “Rich has been a fantastic servant to the club since day one and his utility value has been important over the many years he has played for us.
“He’s done the same job in whichever position he’s been asked to play, both in the build-up to matches and switching during games.
“We are at a point where we couldn’t guarantee Rich regular footy and he is at the stage in his career where that is important, he needs to be playing week in-week out.
“Leigh have presented him with the opportunity to have that both this season and beyond, so the call was a no brainer for him.”
Leigh coach Neil Jukes said: “Richard is a great professional and has proved himself to be a big asset during his time with us. He is a very versatile player and has really enjoyed his time here.
“I know that in one way he will be sad to leave Hull after giving many years of valuable service to them but he is excited by the challenge at Leigh Centurions and ready to write a new chapter into his illustrious playing career.
“When he first joined us I said he hadn’t joined us as a stop-gap but was a player of genuine quality who came highly recommended as a top professional who was low maintenance. He quickly adapted to being at our Club and through working hard and buying in to what we want to achieve we now have an end result that suits all parties.”
