Hull FC have confirmed the signing of NRL utility player Will Smith until the end of the 2022 Betfred Super League season.
The deal will see the 30-year old head to the UK to join up with the Black & Whites with immediate effect, subject to international clearance.
The Indigenous All Stars representative plays in the halves, full back and at hooker, whilst also offers utility value in the outside backs, providing invaluable versatility for the remainder of the campaign.
The former Gold Coast Titans man is the latest mid-season recruit to bolster the club’s squad which has been hit hard with injuries and suspensions, following the acquisition of loanee trio Jack Walker, Josh Simm and Ellis Longstaff.
Smith brings a wealth of NRL experience having made 84 first-grade appearances since 2014, running out for Penrith Panthers, Paramatta Eels and the Titans.
He proudly became only the second ever Indigenous player to captain the Eels in 2021, where he has also previously played alongside new Hull FC team mates Manu Ma’u and Kane Evans.
He was a regular this season on the Gold Coast playing stand-off and hooker before he had to leave the club on compassionate leave.
Now ready for a return to playing and with the NRL signing window now closed, Smith will head to Super League where he hopes to help Hull FC’s push for the play-offs.
Following his international clearance, Smith will fly to the UK to link up with his new teammates this weekend.
Speaking to hullfc.com, Smith said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to get back playing some footy at a high level and to try and help Hull FC get to the semi-finals.
“My priority recently had to be my family, but they understand my desire to get back playing and they have given me their blessing to head to Super League for the next few months.
“I have heard very good things about the club and the people there, I know both Manu and Kane very well, so I’m looking forward to lining up with those guys again and doing my bit for the team.
“It’s a talented group of players at Hull, they’ve been doing it really tough recently but hopefully I can bring something to the group and when we get a few more players back on the field we can have a real push for the finals.”
Hull FC head coach, Brett Hodgson, added: “We’re excited for Will to join us for the rest of the season, it isn’t often a player of his calibre comes available at this time of the year.
“He brings NRL pedigree and real versatility at an important stage of the season for us, especially at 6, 1 and 9.
“It adds depth to our squad for the business end of the year and a player of good experience having represented the Indigenous All Stars, as well as being a senior leader at his previous clubs.
“He is competitive and energetic and is someone who has always put the team first wherever he has been, so we’re looking forward to him getting started.”
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