Challenge Cup winners Hull FC have signed half-back Albert Kelly from Hull KR and tied centre Steve Michaels to a new deal.
Kelly, 25, travels the controversial but now well-trodden path across the city of Hull, keeping himself in First Utility Super League after Rovers were relegated.
Player of the year with KR in 2015, this year brought trouble for the former Gold Coast Titan, with his club leaving him out of their crucial and ultimately costly final games of the season on disciplinary grounds. “It was pretty exciting seeing Hull go to Wembley and win the Challenge Cup.
Some of my good mates were in there and to see them smiling and lifting the trophy is something I want to do as well,” Kelly said after agreeing a one-year deal. “I think because the boys won it last year, we can go back-to-back if we put in performances each week.”
Meanwhile, popular centre Michaels has agreed to extend his stay by a further 12 months. Also formerly of the Gold Coast, Michaels became a cult hero to Hull’s fans but it appeared at one stage that he would be leaving East Yorkshire. “I’m really happy to be on board for next season. I love the players, the fans and the club. I’m really happy to commit my future to Hull FC,” said the 29-year-old.