Hull FC target Kumul hooker after securing Stewart

Former Brisbane Tigers fullback Treigh Stewart (with ball) in action for PNG during the PM’s 13 match against Australia in 2023 (PNGRFL)

PNG Kumul prospect Treigh Stewart has signed a short-term deal with Hull FC for the remainder of 2024.

The Papua New Guinea PM’s 13 fullback will join the club effective immediately after inking an 18-month contract which will keep him until at least the end of the 2025 Super League season.

Stewart has been attached to the St George Illawarra Dragons system for nearly 10 years before joining Melbourne Storm feeder side Brisbane Tigers this year.

The New South Wales-born and raised man from Kompiam-Ambum in Enga made 12 appearances for the Tigers, scoring three tries before making the move to England.

The former Dragons talent has spent almost four seasons in the NSW Cup preceding to Queensland Rugby League competition at the beginning of this season.

The 23-year-old told Hull FC that he is eager to join the club and play in first-grade competition.

“It’s a big step for myself to come over to play in Super League but it’s something I’m excited for,” Stewart said.

“To be able to make my first-grade debut at some stage is going to be pretty big for me. I’ve played a couple of trial matches in both Queensland and New South Wales Cup competitions, so to be able to come over to Super League and make my first-grade debut is going to be a special achievement for me.

“The physicality in the Q-Cup is different to the NSW Cup and I think that will prepare me well for playing in Super League, where there is a similar level of physicality.

“I played against St Helens for the Dragons in a trial match last year and that showed me a lot about what the physicality of Super League teams is like, but it’s a challenge I feel ready for, having played a fair number of games for Brisbane Tigers this year.”

Hunters hooker Judah Rimbu proving a dummy half service in the Hostplus cup clash against Ipswich Jets.(Hunters)

Meanwhile, PNG Kumuls hooker Judah Rimbu is also on the verge of securing a deal with Hull FC for the 2025 roster.

Reports from Rugby League Live in the United Kingdom revealed that Rimbu is part of the club’s expansion plan for next year’s Super League campaign.

Whilst things have not been made official as yet, chances are high that the 22-year-old could accept the offer to compete in the top-flight competition. Rimbu has been a spine for PNG Hunters since making his debut in 2021 with 57 appearances under his belt.