Fitzgibbon granted visa

Hull have confirmed that new signing Craig Fitzgibbon has been granted a visa, enabling him to complete his move to East Yorkshire.

The former Sydney Roosters forward is now clear to head for England and will join his new team mates for pre-season training in mid-November.

The 32-year-old agreed a one-year deal with the Airlie Birds earlier this year, with the option of a further season in 2011.

Hull FC Chief Executive James Rule said, “I am sure the fans will share my delight at this news.

“Craig is a world-class player and we all can’t wait to see him in action in the new Black and White shirt next season.”

Fitzgibbon is one of the headline Super League signings for next season, as the Australian international star prepares for life in East Yorkshire.

A prolific points scoring machine down under, he racked up 1604 points in just 263 first-grade games, making him the highest points scoring forward of all time, as well as going on to represent Australia 19 times, a further 5 appearances in the City-Country Origin series and 11 appearances for New South Wales in the State of Origin.

Fitzgibbon’s impressive career at Sydney came to an end in the best possible style a few months ago as he finished the season as the Club’s Player of the Season for a record 4th time as well as the Clubman of the Year Award.

His other high profile achievements include a Clive Churchill Medal (2002) for a Man of the Match performance in one of his five Grand Final appearances.

The visa application for fellow Australian new signing Mark O’Meley is still being processed but the club are expecting news on his application imminently.