Hull sign Asiata for 2025 campaign
HULL FC have signed John Asiata for the 2025 season and beyond.
The Black and Whites have landed the current Leigh Leopards loose-forward and captain on a three-year deal in what is one of their biggest signings in recent seasons.
The Mail understands Hull have fended off at least three other Super League clubs to sign Asiata, who will arrive on a lucrative contract, believed to be over £200,000 a season.
Leigh were also keen to keep Asiata on beyond this season, with the player, who is out of contract at the end of the year, also commanding some NRL interest. However, the Australian-born forward has opted to join Hull FC from 2025.
Asiata is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in Super League. He won the Challenge Cup with the Leythers last season and is a reigning Super League Dream Team player, having joined the club ahead of the 2022 season.
Playing 62 games for Leigh to date, he was instrumental in helping the club gain promotion.
Before that, he also played over 100 games for North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane in the NRL, and featured for both Tonga and Samoa.
The 31-year-old will be one of at least two new quota players at Hull next season, following the departures of Tex Hoy and Fa’amanu Brown.
“I’m really excited for the new challenge that lies ahead for me at Hull FC,” Asiata said. “After speaking to Richie Myler, it’s clear we are both on the same page in wanting to help this club be better than ever before.
“Thank you to Adam, Richie and the Hull FC family for having faith in me. I really look forward to getting stuck in with the boys once the time comes. I also want to acknowledge and thank God for opening this door for me and my family.”
Myler believes Asiata will be crucial to the club’s identity moving forward and shows the direction they are heading in.
“Everyone at Hull FC is absolutely delighted to bring a player of John’s calibre to the club,” he added.
“John is a highly respected individual who is a true leader on and off the field.
“A signing of this quality clearly shows the direction in which the club is heading. We are delighted to have John as part of our journey over the next three years, and he will really help define our identity as a club moving forward.”
It’s expected that more movement will happen in the coming weeks, with Myler working hard to bring new talent to the club.