Josh Jones signs for Hull FC

Hull FC have completed their first deal for 2020 with the sought after signature of Salford forward Josh Jones on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old will join forces with the Black & Whites for the 2020 season as the club's recruitment gets underway ahead of the next campaign.

Hull have staved off stiff competition from a host of Super League clubs to secure the services of Jones, who won the Grand Final with St Helens in 2014.

Following a brief spell in the Premiership with rugby union outfit Exeter Chiefs in 2015, Jones returned to Super League with Salford Red Devils ahead of the 2016 season.

Currently in his fourth season with Ian Watson's side, Jones has been an ever-present for the Red Devils in 2019, scoring five tries in the process.

Speaking to hullfc.com about his move to the KCOM Stadium, Jones said: "I'm really delighted to have signed for the club. It's been a long couple of months of negotiations, so I'm really pleased that the deal has gone through with Hull."

"I came over to have a look around the club and the city a couple of weeks ago. Both me and my partner were really impressed and that helped me make my mind up.

"The people in Hull are really lovely and there are some nice areas around the city, so I'm really looking forward to moving over ahead of the start of next season.

"I know a couple of the players at the club. I spoke to Josh Griffin last night and I told him about the news. He was made up for me, so like I said, I can't wait to get over there now and meet the rest of the team.

"I really liked the ambition of the club when I spoke to Lee [Radford], Adam [Pearson] and James [Clark]. Hull is a massive club that has a hunger for winning trophies and I'm equally as eager to win things."

The back-rower has been strongly admired for most of his career and the statistics show why. This season alone he is one of the competition’s leading metre-makers, averaging over 100 metres and 5 tackle busts a game.

His eye-catching performances have also earned him a call-up to the England Performance programme, whilst he is also being tipped as a potential candidate for the Great Britain tour at the end of the season.

As Jones nears his 200th career appearance, Hull FC head coach is delighted to secure the services of one of Super League’s experienced and in-form back rowers.

"When you look at the calibre of other clubs that were in for Josh, it's really pleasing that he has decided to join Hull FC because it shows where we are at," Radford told hullfc.com.

"I think it's a really, really strong signing and it's a great start to our recruitment for next season. I've been a huge admirer of Josh for the last few years, so to finally have the deal done is a relief.

"You only need to look at his stats to know that he's a handful, but what's even better is that he's played every game for Salford so far this season. To have that sort of consistency is exactly what we're looking for.

"Josh has the attributes to become a regular in the England squad which is hopefully an aspiration we can help him achieve.

“We are building a squad with a good nucleus of talented young English players which is exciting for us moving forward."