Satae joins Hull FC

7 Aug 2019

Satae joins Hull FC

Tevita Satae signs for Hull FC from New Zealand Warriors

Hull FC have confirmed the signing of powerful NRL forward Tevita Satae, who joins the club with immediate effect, subject to international clearance.

The New Zealand Warriors forward has joined the club on a deal that will see him remain at the Black & Whites until at least the end of the 2021 campaign, with an option to extend the deal further.

At 26-years old, the line-breaking front rower becomes the latest NRL recruit to join up with the Airlie Birds ahead of the 2020 Betfred Super League season, with fellow Tongans Mahe Fonua and Manu Ma'u also on their way to the club next season, as well as Super League recruits Josh Jones and Adam Swift.

A barnstorming metre-maker, Satae was under contract at the Warriors for another two years, but Hull FC have worked hard in recent months to secure a deal for his services.

A number of rival clubs also swooped upon hearing of Hull’s interest, but Satae has opted to sign for the Black & Whites after buying into their ambitious plans for the future.

Speaking to hullfc.com, Satae said: "I'm pretty stoked to be joining the club. I'm joining at the time where the club is going really well and I'm delighted to be joining a great group of blokes.

"After speaking to the club and the coach, it is clear I share their ambition. I'm here to win trophies, that is ultimately my aim. I know they have a few trophies under their belt in recent years and I want to be a part of a side that is getting to finals. 

"This is a real chance to challenge myself. I don’t feel I have been given that opportunity yet so I'm determined to push on to the next level with Hull FC - I'm here to put my best foot forward and give everything for this great club."

Tongan-born, Satae began his Rugby League career with the Penrith Pathers in 2012 after impressing at a junior level, featuring in the 2012 National Youth Competition side.

Impressing in New Zealand, he was soon signed up by the Warriors in 2017, featuring prominently for their NSW  Cup side, before making his full NRL debut in July of that year. 

Standing at 6ft 3in, Satae has made 15 appearances for the Warriors since his debut, whilst also being a stand-out performer for their reserve squad this season.

In just 14 games this season, he has notched up 899 post contact metres, averaging over 173 metres per game. Those stats see him inside the top 5 metre makers in the NSW Cup, despite playing five games less than those around him.

In his final game down under before heading for Hull, Satae posted three line breaks, ten tackle busts and 256 metres as he finished his time with the Warriors on a high.

Hull FC Head Coach Lee Radford said: "I watch a lot of New South Wales Cup matches, and he was a player who caught my eye when he was featuring heavily for the New Zealand Warriors side. 

"I was really impressed with his performances and after we did a little bit of background research on him, he seemed to fit the bill as to what we've been looking for.

"He's your typical Polynesian front-rower. He has a real petrol engine and his metres are phenomenal, he carries the football with real strength. We're hoping he can bring that to us on a weekly basis.

"He will add some size and aggression to our pack and it is a timely boost to get him over for the rest of the season as we push for a play-off spot.??

He added, "I'm really pleased with how we're shaping up for 2020. Our recruitment has been good so far and we have managed to secure the targets we set out to get despite plenty of competition, which is a credit to the club."

Satae will wear the number 39 jersey.