Hull FC have pulled off their first major signing for the 2010 engage Super League campaign by snapping up prolific Australian points machine Craig Fitzgibbon.

The Sydney Roosters back row forward has signed a one-year deal with an option of another year.

Just after the Roosters had crashed 38-6 to Newcastle Knights, Fitzgibbon revealed exclusive to Hull FC.com how excited he was to be joining Hull FC.

“I am really happy about this deal,” he said. “It’s all happened so quickly that it has come as a bit of a shock but I now can’t wait to come across to England.”

Fitzgibbon, whose father Alan played for rivals Hull KR in the early 70s, added: “I am a big fan of Super League and I’m fully aware that Hull are a big club with massive ambitions.

“In my talks with the club I have been really impressed with coach Richard Agar and what he has had to say and what he’s looking for from me.

“I’ve also had some big raps about the place from Yak (Peter Cusack) who is a close family friend of mine and our wives are also big friends.

“I believe the timing is just right and that’s why I’m really looking forward to coming.”

Head Coach Richard Agar said: “I think he is a very good player, he has captained his club and his record speaks for itself, he is the record points scorer for a forward.

“He has 15 Test caps, played in 11 Origin games, he has played at the top level in Australia for many years.

“Craig will bring a lot to the team both on and off the field. He’ll bring consistency on the field and he can play various roles within your team. He is very effective whether he is playing in the middle or on the edge.

“He also brings leadership but also off the field, Craig is the kind of person who imparts a lot of influence on the other players around him. When you get a player of his stature players tend to gravitate towards them.

“In addition the youngsters here will benefit from having a player like him around. We have seen it in the past with players like Craig coming in and being willing to impart their knowledge and experience.

“During our negotiations with Craig I had a number of conversations with him and he is very excited about coming here and having a new challenge.”

Chief Executive James Rule said: “Craig is a renowned leader and I am confident he will make a massive impact both on and off the field.”

Fitzgibbon became the highest scoring forward in the history of the NRL in August 2006 when he surpassed another Australian Test star in David Furner when he converted Sam Perrett’s third try in the 64th minute.

In a glittering career with Illawarra Steelers, St George Dragons and Sydney Roosters he has rattled up over 1,500 points and when the Roosters won the Premiership in 2002 he lifted the Clive Churchill man of the match award.

Fitzgibbon has also been a regular in the New South Wales State of Origin side since 2003, making 11 appearances, and he is a regular in the Australian team having notched up 19 caps since he made his debut in 2002.

The 6ft 3in and 15st 5lb back row forward began his playing career with the Steelers and then moved to the Dragons when the clubs merged.

But it is with Sydney Roosters where he hit the headlines and became a prolific points scorer and record breaker.

Up to this season, Fitzgibbon had made 215 appearances for the Roosters, scored 33 tries, kicked a massive 629 goals and scored an incredible 1,394 points.

Factfile

DOB: June 16th, 1977
Height: 6ft 3in
Weight: 104 kilos (16st 5lb)
Position: Second row, loose forward, prop

Appearances:

Illawarra (1998) appearances 20, tries 2, goals 38, points 84
St George Dragons (1999) appearances 15, tries 4, goals 25, points 66
Sydney Roosters (2000- ) appearances 215, tries 33, goals 629, points 1,394

Country Origin (2001-08) appearances 5, tries 0, goals 5, points 10
New South Wales (2003-08) appearances 11, tries 1, goals 20, points 44
Australia (2002-09) appearances 19, tries 3, goals 50, points 112