JAKE’S SET TO SIGN FOR FC
TIGER BATEMAN LINKED WITH MOVE TO HULL FOR 2023
HULL FC are closing in on the signing of Castleford Tigers halfback Jake Trueman as they continue to plan for the 2023 season and beyond.
The Mail understands the Black and Whites are on the verge of completing a deal to sign the half-back, who has attracted plenty of interest from around the Super League and the NRL over the last few months.
Trueman is coming to the end of his contract at Wheldon Road and after identifying him as their main target for next season, FC have moved quickly to bag their man.
It is understood terms have been agreed with the 23-year-old Bradford-born stand-off and he is close to putting pen to paper on a long-term contract at the MKM.
The Castleford man is regarded as one of the most exciting young playmakers in the Super League and although the club have struggled for consistency this season, he has been in fine form.
Trueman has featured in all 11 of the Tigers’ Super League games this season, with five tries coming from the pivots, including a brace against Huddersfield Giants.
He has also claimed 10 try assists, six less than Jake Connor who leads the assists charts, and Hull fans will know all about his creativity and talent after March’s clash between the two sides in West Yorkshire. Castleford ran out 33-26 winners on that occasion with Trueman setting up three tries to take the game away from the Black and Whites.
With a deal now imminent, FC will hope the half-back continues to shine for the Tigers this season before making the switch to the MKM with form and confidence.
Trueman started his career with Bradford Bulls, but he only made one outing for his hometown club before making the move to Castleford in 2017.
He has since made 97 appearances for the Tigers, including 31 in 2019, a year in which he earned a Great Britain call-up and represented England in the Rugby League World Cup Nines competition. He hasn’t made an international appearance since, but he was selected in Paul Anderson’s
England Knights performance squad earlier this month, alongside FC duo Jordan Lane and Jack Brown.
The deal casts doubt over Josh Reynolds’ future with the Black and Whites.
Reynolds is in the final year of his contract at Hull and although the club do have the option to extend his contract, the signing of Trueman may be telling.
Reynolds has struggled for form and consistency since making the move from Wests Tigers with Brett Hodgson ahead of the 2021 campaign, but with his future on the line the 33-yearold will no doubt be determined to impress over the remainder of the season.