Wilkin Suggests Clifford’s Experience Could Hinder Hull FC Recruitment
Jon Wilkin, a Sky Sports pundit, has suggested that Jake Clifford’s experience at Hull FC could deter other overseas stars from signing with the club, hindering their recruitment for an extended period.
Ahead of the Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos match, Wilkin discussed how Clifford’s comments about the club’s pre-season being “a piece of piss” compared to his experiences in Australia have negatively impacted the Black and Whites. The 26-year-old half-back, who returned to his boyhood club North Queensland Cowboys after a single season at the MKM Stadium, is believed to have painted a poor picture of the club’s standards and intensity.
Wilkin explained that such statements, as well as other “tales” from players, have made it increasingly difficult for Hull FC to attract top talent from the southern hemisphere. The pundit emphasized the importance of having a “brand advocate” – a star player who can positively promote the club to prospective recruits, something Hull FC have lacked in recent years.
Wilkin contrasted this with the impact Shaun Kenny-Dowall had at Hull KR and Krisnan Inu at Salford, who helped raise standards and encouraged others to join their respective clubs. The former Super League star believes Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos have both struggled in this aspect of player recruitment, lacking the necessary star quality from overseas signings.
Overall, Wilkin’s assessment suggests that Hull FC’s recruitment efforts have been hindered by the negative experiences and comments of certain players, which he believes will continue to be a challenge for the club until they can secure a transformative signing that can serve as a positive ambassador for the team.
🔗 Source
