June 17, 2023, was a special day in the Arthur household. That’s the first and only time Jake Arthur has come up against his father Brad Arthur in his rugby league career so far.
The half-back was playing for Manly Sea Eagles at the time and started at half-back against his father’s Parramatta Eels in the NRL. It was a remarkable moment for the whole family, but Jake doesn’t need reminding of the score that day with the Eels running out 34-4 victors.
He finally has the opportunity to get his own back in 2026, though, after joining Hull FC on a two-year deal. The move means he will go up against his father’s Leeds Rhinos side on at least two occasions next season and he’ll be determined to set the record straight when black and white takes on blue and amber.
The Super League fixtures won’t be revealed until November 27, but those two dates will be red-letter days in the Arthur family.
“I can’t wait for it,” Arthur told Serious About RL with a grin. “It’ll definitely be a game that’s circled on the calendar.
“We’ve only versed each other one time in the NRL and he beat me so I’ve got to get him back.”
Of course, the 23-year-old spoke to his father on numerous occasions before agreeing to make the move over from Newcastle Knights to Super League. It’s a decision that won’t have been taken lightly but it’s one that the Leeds boss felt was perfect for his son at this stage of his career as he bids to make a name for himself, with Hull FC being the ideal landing spot.
“He thought there was a lot of potential here on the footy side,” Arthur said on his father. “There’s a lot of good players that have come from the NRL, with John [Asiata], [Aidan] Sezer, Jed [Cartwright] and all those sort of players and good young players coming through like Harvey [Barron] and Lewis [Martin].
“He thought it was a real good place that’s on the up and he spoke about the quality being really good over here. It’s a good step up for me and my footy rather than playing reserve grade in Australia.
“I’ve watched a fair bit [of Super League]. I think the standard is really high, especially between the top teams. I notice on last tackle everyone is going a million miles offside in front of the kicker… There’s definitely some things to adjust to coming from Australia.
“As a half, we all love to attack so the more space and more opportunities, it’s fun. I’m excited for that. We have a lot of talent on our edges and back-rowers, it’ll be good to be able to maximise and make the most of that space.”
Arthur is now two weeks into his time in East Yorkshire, with the half-back making a point of being at Hull FC for day one of pre-season.
“I’m really enjoying it,” he added. “Getting to know all the lads, there’s characters here so it’s been fun.
“I definitely wanted to get back day one and work hard to earn the boys’ respect and show them I’m coming here to train hard and earn my spot.
“I’m living in Beverley, I spent the first week here living at my parents’ in Leeds but it’s a long drive so I just thought I’d rather get in here, be close to all the boys and get in amongst the community. I’m glad I did because I’m really enjoying it.”
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