“Tongan Terminator” Manu Ma’u heading to Hull for 2020

Hull have signed Tonga international back-rower Manu Ma’u from Parramatta on an initial two-year deal from next season.

Ma’u, 30, has made more than 100 appearances in the NRL for the Eels and starred in Tonga’s run to the semi-finals of the 2017 World Cup.

He said: “I’m hugely excited for the challenge. 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.

“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.

“I’ve spoken to a few players I know well about the club. I keep up with Mahe Fonua from my time playing for Tonga, as well as Sika Manu and Bureta Faraimo who I know too, and they couldn’t speak highly enough about the club. That made me only more eager to join the club.”

Ma’u made his senior debut in 2014 and played six times for New Zealand, including in the 2016 Four Nations, before switching allegiance to Tonga.

Coach Lee Radford said: “I’m really pleased to get such a quality signing in Manu over the line. To get that level of player in our competition, at the peak of his career is a real coup for the club.

“I’ve only heard good things about him on and off the field. I’m sure his no-nonsense style of play will make him a firm fans-favourite when he arrives.

“Manu has a real toughness in his game which I really admire.”