Fijian winger Mitieli Vulikijapani grateful for new Hull contract

Fijian winger Mitieli Vulikijapani has signed a new one-year deal with Hull for the 2022 season.

The 27-year-old signed his first professional contract in rugby league back in April after a successful trial period in pre-season.

Mitieli Vulikijapani made his debut for Hull in June and went on to make six appearances for Brett Hodgson’s side.

He said: “I’m really pleased that the club have taken the option to extend my contract by a further year – I’ve loved my first season here and I feel like I’ve still got plenty to give as I continue to develop my game.

“Signing a professional contract in April and stepping away from my duties with the British Army was a really big decision for me personally, and I’m grateful to the club for handing me that opportunity, and to continue to pull on a Black and White jersey in 2022.

“Having got a handful of appearances under my belt last season, I feel like I’ve settled in comfortably to this new environment, and I’m looking forward to keep learning and improving my game over the next 12 months.”

Hodgson said: “Mitch has shown glimpses of what he is capable of during his appearances in the second half of the season, and the decision to extend his stay here was an easy one; he’s a strong ball runner out of back-field, and brings some added depth to our outside backs department.

“Being fairly new to rugby league, there’s areas of his game which he’ll be working on throughout pre-season, but we’re delighted with his progress so far while he’s been with us at the club, and I’m certain we’ll see him continue to go from strength to strength when he gets his opportunities in 2022.”

Vulikijapani is the latest player to commit his future to the club, with contract extensions for both Manu Ma’u and Andre Savelio alongside Chris Satae and Jake Connor earlier in the season.