Hull FC are interested in Jake Arthur but are also keen to strengthen another area.
15:56, 07 Aug 2025Updated 16:42, 07 Aug 2025
Hull FC target Jake Arthur. (Image: SW PIX)
John Cartwright has admitted Hull FC’s interest in Newcastle Knights half-back Jake Arthur. The Black and Whites are on the hunt for a new half to partner Aidan Sezer next season, with All Out Rugby League exclusively reporting the club’s move for the player on Monday.
Hull have held talks with Arthur and are understood to be in the driving seat to acquire the 22-year-old – the son of Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur. However, it is understood that the player’s preference is to stay in the NRL and seek out a new contract in Australia.
But if that contract fails to come to fruition, then Hull are understood to be well poised to land their target.
Meanwhile, Arthur will make his NRL debut for the Knights against Penrith Panthers this weekend. He has played twice for previous club Manly Sea Eagles this year while turning out for the Knights in the New South Wales Cup since his mid-season move.
The player debuted at Parramatta Eels and is seen as the right fit of half to partner Sezer, with the club doing their ‘homework’ on the player – who still has a ‘decision’ to make.
“We’re talking to a lot of players,” Cartwright, speaking to Hull Live, said. “He’s one of them.
“He can play an organising half, or he can play on his edge. We’ve done a fair bit of homework on him. He’s made his way into first-grade at Newcastle this week. I don’t know how that factors into his decision, how he plays this week, but I think he would do really well in Super League.”
Arthur would be the tenth quota player at Hull next year should the deal come off. However, despite a handful of domestic recruits, the club still has salary cap space to use for 2026, with Cartwright identifying the position of interest.
“We have a bit of scope,” Cartwright confirmed. “We’re probably a little bit thin in the centres, the centre area. The boys that have played there this year have done a great job. There’s been a lot of changing of positions in there.
“When you look to complete your side, you’d love a Tesi Niu-type player. I think everyone would love to have a player like him at the moment, but they’re hard to find.”