Hull FC strengthen at Hooker for 2023 season

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Hull FC have announced the signing of Leeds Rhinos hooker Brad Dwyer, who will join the club as their fourth signing ahead of the 2023 campaign, having fought off competition from other clubs for his signature as well as extending the contracts of Danny Houghton and Joe Lovodua.

As Dwyer makes the move from West to East Yorkshire, he brings a breadth of experience and attacking quality to this Hull FC side with 211 Super League appearances to his name and 65 tries, as well as winning the Challenge Cup in 2020 with the Rhinos. The 29-year old joins fellow Leeds man Liam Sutcliffe in making the move across the M62 ahead of next season.

Dwyer spoke about what his biggest draws to Hull FC were, with his main reason being the stature of the club:

“I’m really excited to be coming over and playing for Hull next season. The biggest attraction foe me was playing in front of those fans – its an incredible fanbase, and you really get that sense of atmosphere and occasion when playing at Hull.

The hooker also explained how excited he is to show what he hopes to bring to the side:

“Playing off the back of the pack that Hull has too was a big draw for me. I think it’ll suit me down to the ground, it really excited me about what I could bring to the club and I came away from those meetings buzzing for next season.

“It’s exciting to be part of a that spine. Having a couple of other new faces in there like Jake [Trueman] and Tex [Hoy] allows us all to put our own stamp on it and I’m really looking forward to working with Danny and Joe.”

Head Coach Brett Hodgson described the signing as “Astute”, and looks forward to see the impact Dwyer can have on his side as he said:

“Brad is an astute acquisition for us for next season, and I’m already looking forward to what he can bring to the group.

“Not only does he possess the creativity and skills we want from a player in that position, he also has some attributes to make himself a leader in our group next season. He is very competitive and tenacious.”

As well as bringing one Hooker in, the club have decided to extend the contracts of Houghton and Lovodua for another 12 months. This will see Houghton continue his spell at FC for a 17th season, having already broke the record as Hull FC’s highest living appearance maker, having made over 400 for his hometown club.

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“It’s an honour to represent my hometown club, so to be going around for a 17th season is something I can be really proud of.

“I feel incredibly privileged to have played so many games for the club and I’m excited to continue my journey here for another year.”

The Fijian international Lovodua has made an immediate impression in his first Super League season, and as well as being key at dummy-half has slotted in well in a number of positions when called upon throughout the season.

“I am so grateful to the club for giving me a chance to represent them in Super League and I couldn’t have asked for anything more from them in my first season here.

“I want to repay the faith that the club and the fans have shown me this year and I will be working hard to recover from my injury and come back bigger and stronger in 2023.”

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Hodgson believes the signing of Dwyer, the contract extensions of Houghton and Lovodua as well as the introduction of young Denive Balmforth gives them exciting options to have at 9.

“We have been looking to add some pace to the squad, and clearly Brad brings that in abundance. His pace out of dummy-half is his obvious asset and will help our attacking threat next season.

“He can be a good foil for someone like Danny Houghton who delivers real quality and consistency in his defensive work and distribution, whilst Brad can bring pace and flair.

“We can also utilise Joey Lovodua in there who is tough and carries a powerful running game, whilst his fantastic ability to slot into multiple positions is a genuine asset for us as we have seen this season.

“In addition to that, we also have a long-term option in Denive Balmforth from our Rising Stars programme who will be pushing for a place next season, and he now has three different styles of hooker to learn from next season, which is great.”

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