Moving from one club to another is usually the norm in rugby league for a new challenge, but when you move to your nearest rivals it can leave a bitter taste in your mouth, as Mickey Paea signs a 2-year deal with Hull FC from fierce rivals Hull KR.
Paea, who is regarded as a Tongan powerhouse, will cross the city to link up with the Black and Whites, a move that will leave some Rovers fans disappointed or angry.
With a number of options on his plate, Paea decided that the easy decision was to remain in Hull.
“I have enjoyed my time in England and I’m settled in Hull so that made a tough decision a little easier, but it has been difficult with a number of options on the table,” said Paea.
“I have been grateful for the opportunity at Hull KR, but I felt after two years with the club I needed a fresh start and after weighing up my options Hull FC was the best fit for me and my wife.”
Whilst some fans may be upset about the move, Paea has assured Hull KR fans that he will continue to work and battle hard for them for the remainder of the year and that he has a lot of respect for the Hull KR supporters.
“I have been grateful for the opportunity at Hull KR, but I felt after two years with the club I needed a fresh start and after weighing up my options Hull Viagra Online FC was the best fit for me and my wife,” said Paea.
He added, “I have a lot of respect for Hull KR and their supporters and I will give my all to the club for the remainder of the year and look forward to joining up with Hull FC in the close season.”
Paea, who is still only 27, enjoyed previous stints in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters, the Canterbury Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons, so he is a player that NRL fans would be quite familiar with.
It was a solid run of form that saw an increased number of clubs take an interest in Paea, so Hull FC coach Peter Gentle is pleased that the Tongan chose his club.
“It’s a good piece of business for us as we have secured the services of one of the competition’s best players, as was proven in the recent Exiles game where he was arguably their best forward,” Gentle said.
“He is strong and powerful and had a number of clubs chasing him, so for him to see his future with Hull FC is very positive for us.
“He is the sort of player we need in our side, particularly with Mark O’Meley retiring at the end of the season.
“Mark has been a hard hitting, no-nonsense forward throughout his entire career and brings a lot to our team, so to be able to recruit a player of Mickey’s calibre to replace that is very pleasing for us.”