The Black and Whites’ new target will play in the NRL this week.
Hull FC target Jake Arthur.
Hull FC target Jake Arthur has been handed an NRL lifeline this week, with the 22-year-old set to debut for Newcastle Knights after a mid-season switch.
Arthur swapped Manly Sea Eagles for Newcastle earlier this year, with the half-back now named in the Knights’ side to take on premiers Penrith Panthers this weekend. He will partner Jack Cogger, formerly of Super League rival Huddersfield Giants.
So far, Arthur has been playing for Newcastle’s New South Wales Cup side, where he leads the competition for the most try assists this year with 25 in just 14 games, but he is set now to feature in first grade for the first time since May.
Meanwhile, the Black and Whites, who have one quota spot remaining for 2026, are hopeful of convincing Arthur to move to East Yorkshire. However, like most Australian players, his primary desire is understood to be to stay in the NRL.
But if that move doesn’t come to fruition, then Hull Live understands Hull are very much in the driving seat to sign the player, who, as reported by All Out Rugby League on Sunday, has been offered to Super League clubs for next season.
The club are on the lookout for a half-back to partner Aidan Sezer next season, allowing Cade Cust to play the role he has originally signed for and cover both the half-back and hooker spots.
After missing out on Jock Madden, who has signed for Wests Tigers, Arthur has been identified as that half. The son of current Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur, he has 27 games of NRL experience to his name – including the 2022 Grand Final, where he scored a try in defeat to Penrith.
He broke through at Parramatta in 2021 and spent three seasons with the western Sydney club before moving to Manly at the start of last season. A further switch saw him join the Knights, where he is now poised to debut.
Hull, as well as potential NRL suitors, will now watch with interest what the player produces in first grade. He is out of contract at Newcastle at the end of the current season.