FC aware of NRL Connor interest
BRETT Hodgson has admitted Hull FC are aware of NRL interest in Jake Connor, but insists that’s as far as it goes at this stage.
The Mail revealed last week that the fullback has caught the eye of Canberra Raiders, who are reportedly considering their options and a potential move.
Connor will spend the next 10 to 12 weeks on the sidelines and it remains to be seen whether that interest will escalate further in the coming weeks.
The 27-year-old is contracted to the Black and Whites until the end of the 2024 season. He has proven to be one of Super League’s best players having amassed an impressive 24 assists in 13 Super League appearances this season.
With three tries as well he has had direct involvement in half of the team’s tries this season.
When asked if he was aware of interest from down under, Hodgson said: “Yes, firstly, I am aware, secondly, I’m not surprised.
“He is a talent. You know, there’s nothing concrete in that at this stage and should that change we’ll have a chat about it. But at this stage it’s speculation more than anything. As I said, we’ll see if that comes, when that comes, what the options are.”
Hodgson claimed the club is also managing interest from rival clubs regarding a number of their other players, but said it cannot draw focus away from the task this year.
“He (Jake Connor) is not the only one there are conversations about. He’s probably the one with the biggest profile but there have been other people looked at and conversations about as well. As far as for us as a club, if the team is successful there will be players that other teams want to look at and what to take,” he said.
“But we have a big job to do this year, I’m not worried about what comes next year. For Jake, it’s getting back on the field and the rest ticking over the wins and giving ourselves a chance to be in the business end of the year as last year we fell off badly.”
Rumours linking the club with a move for Bevan French continue to linger, with talk heightening following reports of an alleged move down under for Connor.
The Black and Whites boss let out half a chuckle when asked about the Wigan star before insisting he wouldn’t be drawn on speculation.
“I appreciate you do have to ask but I hope you appreciate that I’m not going to deal with speculation on any player, let alone at our club or somewhere else,” he said. “We’re in the market for a number of players, we will also have some of our players potentially not here beyond this contract. That’s part of the job.”