Hull FC interest in NRL half-back confirmed by Australian journalist as Jake Clifford replacement search continues

Australian journalist Barry Toohey has confirmed Hull FC’s interest in Newcastle Knights half-back Adam Clune for the 2024 Super League campaign. 

Head coach Tony Smith has entered the market in search for a replacement for 2023 signing Jake Clifford, who is set to return to the NRL at the end of the season after just one year in England.

The 25-year-old Australian is expected to return to former club North Queensland Cowboys next season after rejecting a monster deal to remain in Super League.

As previously reported by Hull Live, the MKM Stadium outfit have targeted 28-year-old Clune, who is yet to feature in the NRL this season, featuring in the New South Wales Cup with 14 appearances in 2023.

He has made 43 NRL appearances to date, having made his debut with St George Illawarra Dragons in 2020 before joining the Knights in 2022.

Clune made 18 appearances in his debut season with the club, scoring twice, but has since fallen down the pecking order with Jackson Hastings partnering Tyson Gamble in the halves, with Kalyn Ponga at full-back.

Adam Clune interest confirmed by Australian reporter

Newcastle-based journalist Toohey spoke of Hull’s interest on the latest episode of his podcast, Toohey’s News.

Clune could follow in the footsteps of good friend Hastings, who made the move to England to reignite his career, winning the 2019 Man of Steel award and featuring in the 2019 and 2020 Grand Finals with Salford and Wigan respectively before returning Down Under.

He remains without a contract for 2024.

“I think Hull are keen on Adam Clune,” Toohey said.

“Whether he’s prepared to go to England or not, I’m not 100% sure. There’s a bit of talk that maybe he’s not.

“I know the Knights haven’t discounted re-signing Adam Clune for next season. That’s an interesting one, I’m just not sure how far down the track or if they’re down the track at all as far as Clune going to England.

“I think he’d be very good over there. He’s in good form, I’ve seen him play the last three or four New South Wales Cup games and he’s playing very well.

“If I’m the Knights, I would be trying to keep him.”

Hull Live have reported no advanced talks have taken place as of yet between the two parties, although Hull will be wanting to work quickly to secure a new star half-back for next season.

Out-of-contract Canterbury Bulldogs man Kyle Flanagan could join father Shane at St George Illawarra Dragons in 2024, while Wests Tigers playmaker and Fiji international Brandon Wakeham is without a deal for 2024.

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