Hull KR captain Ben Galea set to sign deal with Hull FC
HULL KR captain Ben Galea is set to cross the river and sign a deal with bitter rivals Hull FC for next season, the Mail understands.
It comes as the 34-year-old Aussie last night revealed he had decided against retiring from the sport, on the eve of his final game for the Robins at London Broncos today.
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HEADING FOR THE KC: Ben Galea is set to join Hull FC.
Galea, who has spent five seasons at Craven Park and been a hero to the Robins fans, failed to agree terms on a new Rovers deal for 2013, with talks breaking down in July.
As a result, both the club and player agreed to part ways at the end of the season, despite both parties saying they had been keen to strike a deal.
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The former NRL Grand Final winner then chose to announce his retirement from the sport, and made an emotional farewell home appearance last week, scoring a try in the Robins' 42-36 loss to Wigan Warriors.
But last night, Galea sent the rumour mill into overdrive over his future when taking to Twitter to say he'd had a change of heart over calling time on his playing career.
"Before tomorrow's game, I would like to let everyone know that I have decided not to retire," Galea revealed in his first tweet.
He added: "I will reveal more about my plans in due time. Unfortunately, I won't be at Hull KR."
The news quickly spread amongst rugby fans on the social networking site, and sources from within the game told the Mail it is Hull FC who have made Galea an offer he feels he can't refuse to prolong his glittering career.
Galea and Hull coach Peter Gentle are close friends from their days in the NRL with Wests Tigers, where Galea served as a player and won a Grand Final, and Gentle was assistant coach.
The pair's friendship dates back years and continued this season following Gentle's appointment as head coach at the Black and Whites, despite the fierce rivalry across the city.
If the move does go ahead, it could throw a further question mark over the future of Danny Tickle at the KC stadium, with Widnes having already made one offer to buy him out of his deal. The move eventually collapsed because they could not agree a suitable fee with Hull.
It will also see FC line up in 2013 with three players in their squad who started the current season at KR.
Full-back Shannon McDonnell is expected to sign for the Black and Whites, despite supposed offers from NRL clubs.
He and Galea will follow prop Liam Watts across the city after he was sold by Rovers earlier this season after asking for permission to leave the club despite having another year remaining on his deal.
Hull also continue to be linked with a move for England Knights' prop Scott Taylor, although the Mail understands Rovers will not let him leave his deal a year early to cross the city.
Comments
by FCPhanatic
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 9:26AM
“Ossietta -
Thanks for your post. I, too, hope FC can progress, but it will depend to a large extent on which Huddersfield team turns up for the semi. I saw them give us a real kicking at the Galpharm earlier this season, and reports suggest they did the same to the Rhino's last Sunday - mind you, seeing one of your props taken to hospital unconscious probably didn't help Leeds' morale . . .
Still, if Gentle get their minds right, and the fans get behind the lads, we're in with a good shout.
Interesting to hear your thoughts on Saints. I watched the TV game against Wigan on Friday, and I thought they were good in places (e.g very strong up the middle), but so-so in others (e.g. their kicking game - watching Lomax and Wilkin was like a typical day at the KC . . .). Still, at least Tompkins for once was made to look a bit average!”
by ossietta
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 12:53AM
“Good post Bridrobin........!
FCPhanatic, I think you should beat Huddersfield and carry the momentum into the next round. I think if you get that dogged defence right, that HFC have shown most of the season, you should progress.....! Then who knows, good luck anyway. imo, I think HFC deserve to be were they are this season and I genuinely hope they go all the way.........!
Saints look like the team to beat in the play-offs this season.........!”
by FCPhanatic
Monday, September 10 2012, 9:02PM
“Bridrobin -
Spoken like a true fan. Galea has been a great servant to Robins, and deserves much credit for staying loyal to the cause. I just hope that Gentle's decision to sign him is based on hard-headed strategic logic, rather than sentiment. Other posters have suggested he'll be rotated with FC's other back row forwards, which is fine - but how many do we actually need?
As usual, I'll get my coat now . . .”
by bridrobin
Monday, September 10 2012, 7:17PM
“Raging Bull
I am gutted but you have to put sentiment aside. I had the pleasure of shaking Ben's hand and wishing him well. When fit, he is devastating near the opponents line but recently, it seems to take him an awful long time to recover from injury. It doesn't take an expert to realise that Rovers need a makeover. If we get our attitude and defensive play sorted out next season I will be happy.
On the field, the whole squad must take collective responsibility for our defensive failings this season and Ben as captain has to take his share. Off the field, it is up to Sandercock to address this problem. I have no doubt that he is doing this.
Even if Ben plays for the Darkside good luck to him. But we have to move on.”
by Mrtumbles
Monday, September 10 2012, 5:38PM
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by RaginBull1975
Monday, September 10 2012, 5:28PM
“BRIDROBIN -
Regrettably, IMO, it was the correct decision to let him go."
Read my first post at at 12.04 on Sat.
Which is actually a copy of what you posted last week.
You soon changed your tune - full of it the lot of ya.
He has got a year left in him and you shuold have kept him, he is better then anythng else you have or are bringing in and you all know it.
You couldnt afford it - seemples.
The majority of intelligent posters on RL Fans (and the odd one on here) are guttd and well you should be.
He's younger than Morley and he's still doing it and he's a prop.
BG will be an assett to our youngsters and he would have been to yours.
Massive clanger by NH IMO.”
by Dick_Slammer
Monday, September 10 2012, 4:59PM
“What a joke,the dismal Dobbins conceding 48 points to the lowly Broncos and finishing the season 11, yes eleven, points behind their illustrious neighbours,the MIGHTY HULL FC. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Now that they failed to make the playoffs,even though the club above them were deducted 6 points,their losses next season will exceed even the massive £503,000 they lost last season and without Hudgell and Crossland to underwrite them that will signal administration yet again for the dismal Dobbins.
They are stuck with an under 16 level coach who Hudgell recruited on the cheap because they can't afford to sack him.At least four of their players,Clinton,McDonnell,Green and Murrell refused to play for them against the Broncos on Saturday and in fact Murrell has already gone on holiday even though the Dobbins are paying him up to November when his contract runs out.
The whole club from top to bottom is a complete joke and it will only get worse next season as your best players have either left or are leaving. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha”
by KCShamus
Monday, September 10 2012, 4:21PM
“I'd welcome this signing. Galea is a highly respected player all over the game. One year of his experience will help our young players immensely.
Astute bit of business from Peter Gentle if this is true.”
by eddie460
Monday, September 10 2012, 3:17PM
“think everyone needs to calm down a little if galea signs for fc and who can blame him if he does its the perfect move for him ,you can bet tickle will move on,also we must remember all the good signings fc are making are replacements for the great players leaving”
by ChrisNHull
Monday, September 10 2012, 2:16PM
“It might of been about Rovers being skint but I think BG commanded more respect than SanderCock with the players and fans so at the expense of HKR SanderCock didn't want him. Rovers big lose & our gain.”