Hull FC Sign New Zealand Hooker

Hull FC have signed New Zealand hooker Aaron Heremaia.

'Hull are a huge club with a big history and tradition and have had some pretty big names down the years, so it doesn't take much to sell a club like that.

'I know I am joining an ambitious club with a good squad and coach and I think we have the potential to achieve something. They have just signed two new players with plenty to offer, so it's something I want to be part of.'

Coach Richard Agar was delighted to announce the deal and said it had been rubber-stamped by Stephen Kearney, a former Hull player and the current New Zealand coach.

'Aaron has been playing the best football of his career and has been an outstanding performer for the Warriors over the last couple of seasons.

'He'll give us another terrific option around the ruck, he has a tremendous kicking game and he can also play in the halves too.

'He is a great professional who comes with glowing reports from everyone who has worked with him, including New Zealand's international coach.''

Heremaia is no stranger to the English game having previously played for Leigh with whom he won the Northern Rail Cup in 2006, before moving to Widnes in 2007 and Halifax in 2008.

He then returned to his homeland and impressed the Warriors while playing for the Auckland Vulcans in the NSW Cup.

They offered him a deal and by the start of the 2010 season he was their first-choice hooker, making his international debut against Australia in the Anzac Test.