Hull FC transfer news: Overseas star man targeted by two NRL clubs in 2024
According to the Hull Daily Mail, the Australian playmaker could return to his former team, the North Queensland Cowboys, in the NRL next season.
The Daily Telegraph also reports that the Wests Tigers are interested in signing the in-form Hull player.
The 25-year-old joined the Black and Whites before of the 2023 Super League season on a two-year contract from the Newcastle Knights, which includes an NRL release clause.
Wests Tigers, who are currently at the bottom of the NRL league, will lose crucial half-back Luke Brooks to the Manly Sea Eagles in 2024, and the club will undergo a major restructure at the end of the season.
Clifford made 67 appearances in the Australian league, beginning with his Cowboys debut against the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2018.
He later joined the Knights in 2021, playing for two seasons before moving to England.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Tim Sheens’ Wests Tigers have also expressed interest in Salford’s Brodie Croft, despite the fact that the 25-year-old Australian recently signed a landmark long-term contract with the Red Devils.
Jack Cogger, a former Huddersfield Giants half-back and current Penrith Panthers player, is another option, according to sources.
The Cowboys, coached by Todd Payten, have halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend signed until the end of 2024, with the latter previously renewing his commitment to the club after being linked with an early departure.
Jake Clifford impresses in Super League.
Clifford has missed just one Super League game this season, making 16 appearances under head coach Tony Smith.
He has scored six tries and provided 14 assists, ranking eighth in the competition.
Australian coach Smith, who took over ahead of 2023, was been questioned about the reported links to his top player.
He told Hull Live: “If someone comes circling and it’s serious, it happens.
“We understood it from the outset, but there is nothing we are aware of or need to work on now in that regard.
“Jake is playing well and attracting some attention. There will always be speculation. In an odd way, that’s a good thing because it means he’s doing well for us.
“Either way, there are no dramas.”
Clifford has been included to Hull’s 21-man squad for Sunday’s derby at Craven Park, which will be shown live on Sky Sports.
