Canberra Raiders’ English stocks grow with another gun recruit, Manu Ma’u joining Hull
Canberra Raiders have continued to plunder the English Super League ranks while a Parramatta Eels cult hero is leaving the NRL to join Hull next season.
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Canberra have continued to plunder the English ranks by signing Super League star George Williams on a three-year deal, while Parramatta Eels cult hero Manu Ma’u is leaving the NRL to join Hull next season.
Williams becomes the fifth English player on the Raiders books next year, joining fellow internationals Josh Hodgson, John Bateman, Ryan Sutton and Elliott Whitehead.
The 24-year-old Williams has played 172 games and won two championships with Wigan in 2016 and 2018 alongside NRL breakout star Bateman.
The incumbent English five-eighth has also played 10 Tests for England.
“George is an experienced half who joins us after a very successful career with Wigan in the Super League,” Raiders boss Don Furner said.
“The club’s had success in recent times in recruiting proven performers from the Super League and we believe George will fit into our system like others have.
“The club would like to wish George all the best for the remainder of the season with Wigan and we look forward to him joining us for pre-season training.”
Meanwhile, Super League side Hull have signed Tonga international forward Manu Ma’u from Paramatta on a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old back rower, nicknamed the Tongan Terminator, won six caps for New Zealand before switching his allegiance and was in the Tonga team that lost 20-18 to England in the 2017 World Cup semi-final.
“I’ve read so much about Super League and about Hull FC itself, particularly about the passionate fans over there so I can’t wait to make the move,” Ma’u said.
“I’m at a stage now where I want to challenge myself overseas and move out of my comfort zone. Hull have given me that chance.”
Williams thanked Wigan for his time at his hometown club but admitted always wanting to test himself in Australia.
“Another dream of mine was always to play and to test myself in the NRL so I want to thank (chairman) Ian Lenagan and (executive director) Kris Radlinski for their understanding in allowing me to do this,” Williams said.
“It is something I have always wanted to pursue and playing in the NRL is a big goal of mine, so I’m excited and very much looking forward to the massive challenge ahead.” Williams has 11 tries and 14 try assists for fourth-placed Wigan so far this Super League season.
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Originally published as Canberra Raiders’ English stocks grow with another gun recruit, Manu Ma’u joining Hull
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