Andre Savelio returns to Super League with Hull

Hull have signed former St Helens and Warrington forward Andre Savelio from Brisbane Broncos on a three-year deal.

Savelio, 23, recently revealed his intentions to return home following an injury-plagued spell in the NRL, where he failed to make a first grade appearance.

He said: “I’m really excited for this new challenge, coming back to a competition that I know well and get back on my feet again. I’m looking forward to finding that love for the sport again.

“Hull are a big club so I’m really grateful for the opportunity. FC were keen from the get-go – they laid out their intentions.

“I first spoke to the Broncos about moving home about 10 days ago, then on following Wednesday I had a chat with my agent before Hull came in with an offer the day after.

“I spoke with Lee (Radford) – I didn’t really know him before he made the phone-call but he is a coach I’ve always had respect for. The plans that he laid out on the phone sounded like they suited me perfectly.”

Born in New Zealand, Savelio moved to the UK at a young age when his dad Lokeni signed a deal to play for Salford in Super League.

He came through the ranks at Warrington before signing his first professional contract at St Helens, making 42 appearances, before returning to the Wolves after a brief spell on loan at Castleford.

Coach Lee Radford said: “Andre is someone in our recruitment meetings we have identified for quite some time and kept tabs on. We had initially looked at him for 2020, so to bring him over early is a great opportunity for both him and us.

“I’ve been a fan of his for a long time now and can see him being a great long-term acquisition as an edge back-rower.”