Hull have completed the signing of former Hull KR scrum-half James Webster - although the deal is subject to him gaining a British passport.
'Red tape' holding back Australian's return
Hull have completed the signing of former Hull KR scrum-half James Webster for the rest of the season - although the deal is subject to him gaining a British passport.
Neighbours Rovers released the 28-year-old two months ago but he has now recovered from a shoulder injury and is ready to resume his Super League career after Hull beat Friday's transfer deadline.
The Black and Whites have lost six of their last seven matches to leave them two points off the bottom after slipping to a 30-18 defeat at home to Catalans on Sunday.
Coach Richard Agar believes Webster is the man to turn things around, although the Australian is waiting for a British passport that will make him eligible to play.
Passport expected shortly
Webster played a key role in Rovers' promotion to Super League and appeared in their opening 13 games of the season until picking up the injury in April.
Chief executive James Rule said: "Obviously the deal is dependant on James securing his British passport which will take him off the quota because we currently have all our quota places filled.
"But we and James are confident that will go through shortly and we believe James will then become a valuable member of our squad and will provide the team with some vital qualities which have been missing because of our injury problems this season.
"In the meantime we will be looking to assist James with his rehabilitation on his shoulder and he can assist us with his knowledge and experience."
Not short-term
The player added: "It is an exciting move for me - when it comes to challenges in Rugby League they don't get much bigger than coming to Hull FC.
"This is a challenge I am looking forward to and one I probably need at this stage of my career.
"I can only see things being good and hopefully I can do enough between now and the end of the season to convince Hull to offer me a new contract.
"For me this is not a short-term deal and I'd like to think I can finish my career here in Hull.
"I have been passed by a specialist two weeks ago," he said of his injury. "He said I can get into full contact this weekend and also be right to play, hopefully, in time for the derby (on July 20).
"I am confident everything is all right and with a couple more weeks' rehab I'll be good to go."
