Hull FC’s new half-back is like a kid at Christmas ahead of his first game
Hull FC’s Jake Arthur.
Today may mark the final day of January but for Jake Arthur it feels an awful lot like Christmas Eve all over again as Hull FC’s new signing gets ready to step out for the club for the first time.
The 23-year-old has an infectious bubbly personality, but even beyond that it is clear that the excitement of what is to come has taken hold as he readies himself for a first Hull appearance on Sunday in the friendly game at Wigan Warriors, before the season begins properly five days later with a Challenge Cup debut at Salford.
Having arrived early and been in training since day one with his new team-mates, the partnerships the Aussie has built with half-back partner Aidan Sezer, and spine players like Will Pryce, Cade Cust and Amir Bourouh, have only served to increase his anticipation for the forthcoming campaign.
Visibly giddy with excitement, Arthur admits it feels a bit like Christmas right now for him. “Yeah, 100 per cent. I feel like I’ve been at that stage for a few weeks now,” Arthur told Hull Live.
“It’s not even about just being excited for round one, I’m just looking forward to this week and getting back out there and playing footy again. That’s why we play, we all love playing the game and I cannot wait for it!”
FC are pinning their hopes on the young former Parramatta Eels half-back to lead the team around the field this season alongside Sezer. Signed from Newcastle Knights where he ended last season after spells with Manly and Parramatta, Arthur may not come with the big reputation of some overseas players but doesn’t lack confidence or belief at what his new team are capable of.
While most outsiders will continue to look east of the river for this year’s trophy challengers, or to Lancashire, Arthur is unwavering in his belief at what FC are capable of this year.
“I’m a competitor and I’ve come here wanting to win,” added Arthur. “If you’re not playing to win, then what’s the point?
“We want to try and go win the Challenge Cup, win the league leaders, and try to win the competition. That’s the goal.
“I’m 100 percent confident we’ve got a team here who can do that. I think if we can keep everyone on the park healthy, I believe we can do it.”
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Arthur heads a host of new faces at Hull, who saw their bid to reach the play-offs hampered by injuries last season to key men John Asiata and Will Pryce. That pair will be fit to start the season alongside new signings Harvie Hill and James Bell, from Wigan and St Helens respectively, and a potential game changer in ex-Rhinos man Sam Lisone.
“We’ve got a really good squad here, a nice mix,” added Arthur, who will partner club captain Aidan Sezer in the halves.
“It has been building really nicely between me and Sezer. We’ve really developed our combination and it’s only gotten better as the weeks have gone on. So obviously it’s all different once you’re in the game, but I think the more we play together, the more that’s going to build.
“I’ve settled in really good and we’ve got a good group of lads here which have made it really easy for me.
“It took a bit to get used to the weather but I think I’m getting there. I don’t mind it most of the time, it’s only when it gets windy, that’s when I don’t like it. That’s when I’m shivering.”