Hull FC are continuing their impressive recruitment drive by confirming the signing of Sydney Roosters outside back Fetalaiga (Junior) Pauga on a two-year deal starting next year.
Pauga will join current teammate Daly Cherry-Evans at East Yorkshire next year after the club announced the signing of the 370-game NRL veteran in August, which shapes up as one of the most significant recruitment plays in Hull FC's history.
Pauga has demonstrated his ability to play at a high level in the NRL, but has fallen down the pecking order in Bondi, especially given incoming recruit Reuben Garrick is likely to take a starting spot in the NRL side next year.
He has played 25 games in the NRL, with spells at the Tigers lasting two seasons, making his debut with the club in 2021, then at the Roosters, where he played 21 games in tri-colours.
The 30-year-old has scored 11 tries in his opportunities in the NRL, while also playing over 100 games at reserve grade level.
Pauga has been in red-hot form in the Roosters NSW Cup side, where he has been playing on the wing and centre and has scored 13 tries in 16 appearances throughout 2026.
The incoming Super League recruit says he is excited to head to the Northern Hemisphere to continue developing his career.
"It's a surreal feeling. I'm glad that I've been able to put pen to paper and I'm really excited to come over and be a part of Hull FC," Pauga said in a Hull FC statement.
“My manager spoke to me three weeks ago about the possibility of heading over to England, saying that Steve McNamara was pretty keen to have me over there in Hull, so I was really appreciative of that.
“I'm an aggressive player on both sides of the ball. That power I bring is something I'm excited to bring over to Hull."
Pauga credited the star-studded Roosters roster in recent years for why he has grown as a player.
“The experience I've gained from spending a few years at the Roosters with players like Joey Manu, Joseph Sua'ali'i, Rob Toia and Billy Smith has been great, and it's really helped my confidence as a player," he added.
“I was actually chatting with Daly Cherry-Evans about heading over to Hull next year, and we were both talking about how excited we are for the opportunity next year. Can't wait for it!”
Pauga has represented Samoa at Test level twice in his career, coming up against the English international in their two-game series at the end of 2024.
Hull FC were fresh off announcing the signing of a Broncos forward, Joshua Coric, on Tuesday, with Pauga's signature now bringing the total to seven signings for next year at the club.
It includes Bailey Hodgson, Isaac Liu, Alrix Da Costa, Jordan Swann, Coric and Cherry-Evans inking deals to don the black and white.
Pauga will line up for his 26th NRL match this weekend for the Roosters at centre when the club faces arch rivals South Sydney to close out the regular season.
