The York Knights have revealed that they have recruited Franklin Pele from Hull FC on a short-term loan agreement, marking the forward the second of FC’s NRL acquisitions to depart the club for a Championship team in the last week. The York Knights have revealed that they have recruited Franklin Pele from Hull FC on a short-term loan agreement, marking the forward the second of FC’s NRL acquisitions to depart the club for a Championship team in the last week.
Bradford Bulls signed Jayden Okunbor on loan earlier this week. Now, Franklin Pele will join York Knights on a short-term loan from Hull FC. Bradford Bulls stated earlier this week that they had recruited Jayden Okunbor on loan, and now it is Franklin Pele’s turn to leave Hull FC on loan, with the prop joining York Knights on a short-term agreement.
Both Hull FC and York Knights confirmed the agreement, with youth back Davy Litten also moving from Hull to York, signing two week contracts with immediate effect.
Hull FC issued a statement confirming that Franklin Pele and Davy Litten had joined York Knights on short-term loans.
“The pair head to the Betfred Championship side to link up with Andrew Henderson’s side with immediate effect.
“Pele has made eight appearances during the 2024 campaign, while Litten has played twice.
“Both players will be available for this weekend’s league fixture against Halifax Panthers at the LNER Stadium in North Yorkshire.”
Hull FC made a big deal out of their overseas recruitment ahead of the 2024 season with three forwards arriving from the NRL, however, two of those have since left the club on short-term loan deals to gain more playing experience.
Only Herman Ese’ese of the trio has made a significant impact with Pele’s biggest contribution in a Hull FC shirt thus far being sent off for a swinging arm in the derby on opening night, whilst Okunbor hasn’t played a single game under interim head coach Simon Grix.
Instead, the pair have featured in the reserves with Okunbor becoming a regular at that level while Pele has made a handful of appearances, including playing for the Reserves just days after a 20-minute Super League stint against Warrington Wolves.
As for Davy Litten, he has been sidelined with a head injury for much of the season and has only played twice meaning that the move to the Knights will offer him a perfect opportunity to get some game time under his belt.
What went wrong with Hull FC’s recruitment process?
It’s a damning indictment of the recruitment from Hull FC and ironically Pele now returns to the club that newly appointed Director of Rugby Richie Myler retired from, in order to take up the role at the MKM Stadium.
Herman Ese’ese has been the standout from Hull FC’s signings but the forward is currently under investigation by the RFL over alleged verbal abuse. Meanwhile, a number of the club’s other signings have also been forced into moves to the Championship.
Liam Tindall, like Okunbor, has joined the Bradford Bulls, while Nu Brown was released by the club shortly after Tony Smith’s dismissal. Following their seasons low loss to the London Broncos, FC have a tough two weeks to turn things around before facing the Castleford Tigers in a vitally crucial encounter.
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