Hull FC’s challenging start to 2024 continued over the weekend, with the Black and Whites suffering another defeat. Their loss to Huddersfield means they have secured just one win in their first 13 Super League matches. Currently, they are five points behind Castleford Tigers and will face Leeds Rhinos after the Challenge Cup break.
With John Cartwright confirmed as head coach for 2025 and Richie Myler in place as Director of Rugby, the club is intensifying its preparations for an improved 2025 season. They have already announced the signing of John Asiata and are reportedly interested in acquiring Jayden Sullivan and Jordan Abdull.
Last month, reports surfaced that Hull FC was interested in signing England international Elliott Whitehead, whose NRL contract expires at the end of the season. Richie Myler described Whitehead as a “high-performing individual we’d be interested in.”
However, recent reports from France indicate that Hull FC will face competition for Whitehead’s signature.
Elliott Whitehead is currently in discussions with two clubs.
Credit: Imago Images
Elliott Whitehead began his career with the Bradford Bulls before moving to France to join the Catalans Dragons. During his successful stint in Perpignan, he played 68 times and scored 32 tries for the Dragons.
In 2016, Whitehead left the Catalans Dragons to join the Canberra Raiders in the NRL, where he has become a fan favorite, playing an impressive 194 games. Although he had been expected to retire at the end of 2024, it now seems he is eager to play one final season in the Super League before hanging up his boots.
According to the French paper, L’Indépendant, Elliott Whitehead is in contact with Hull FC. However, he faces stiff competition from the Catalans Dragons, who are keen on bringing him back to the South of France. The paper reports:
“Elliott Whitehead, who has been approached by Hull FC, is also in contact with the Catalans Dragons,” and adds that the Dragons “are continuing to search with the hope that they can supplement their squad with a recruit for the second half of the Super League season.”
Hull FC is poised to miss out on their transfer target.
Credit: Imago Images
However, according to L’Indépendant, Chris Satae will not be joining Hull FC for the 2025 season. The report states that he will honor his contract with Les Dracs next season.
“Chris Satae, under contract with the Dragons in 2025, has never expressed a desire to leave France, contrary to the baseless rumors which linked him with Hull FC.”
Reports had suggested that Satae’s family was struggling to settle in the South of France and that he was looking to leave the club at the end of the season. Satae only joined the Catalans side from Hull FC in the off-season ahead of the 2024 season.
Satae was a popular figure at Hull, having played 89 times for the club over four years, starting in 2019. The powerful forward has been a regular in the Catalans’ side this year, playing 12 times, scoring one try, and making 58 tackle busts.