Former NRL fullback signs with Hull FC

If you are a Tigers or Knights fan, you may remember him from his time at your club – as Shannon McDonnell, who has also played for English Super League Hull KR, signs a 2-year deal with Hull FC.

McDonnell, who is coming off a stellar season with Hull KR that saw him selected for the Exiles squad to take on England, said that it was the direction the club was headed in, that impressed him most.

“Hull FC is a good place to be, the club are moving forward and they have recruited well for next year so I know I’ve made the right decision.

“It took me a bit of time to settle in another country this year and the weather makes it a bit of a culture shock when you first come over, but I love the city and I just can’t wait to get back over there and get things underway.

“I’m really excited by the squad that the club is putting together and the players that are already here. They had a good season this year and hopefully we will go even better next year.

“Having Peter Gentle at the club was a big pulling card for me too. He used to coach me when I was younger and I’ve got a lot of time and respect for him, so I’m looking forward to work

ing with him again.”

Another key reason behind his move, is his partnership and friendship with Hull FC coach Peter Gentle – with the two knowing each other from their Wests Tigers days in the mid noughties.

For Gentle, he is excited to have McDonnell at the club and to be working with him once again both professionally and personally.

“To have a player of Shannon’s ability come available at this late stage in the year was a real bonus for us. He was somebody we had identified earlier in the year when it became clear he would be leaving Hull KR at the end of the season, so we moved very quickly once we heard there was an opportunity to bring him to the club.

“I know Shannon and his family very well and he will be a really good fit for us in terms of the way we want to play next season. Having spent a year in the city already with Hull KR, there is no risk in bringing him over and we are confident he will hit the ground running when he reports for pre-season training.

“Shannon is a player I have followed for a number of years and he impressed in his first season over here with Hull KR, but there is still a lot more to come from him. Along with Richard Horne, he will give us some real strength in depth in the full back position next season.”