Will Sharp signs for Hull FC on two-year contract

Quote: jimmyfivebellies "who has actually confirmed this?????'"

An e-mail from Hull's grapevine.

Quote: jimmyfivebellies "The talented outside back, who is just as strong at centre as on the wing, has become one of the stand out players at Quins since going full-time in 2007 but the lure of joining the iconic Hull FC has proven to be too strong.

“I didn’t want the opportunity to pass and wonder what if and I really want to test myself at Hull,” said Sharp, whose initial two-year deal also has the option of a third year extension.

“When a club like Hull comes along with the potential to be a top three team it is hard to ignore. They have top facilities, a great ground, a good squad and they’re a top club and you can’t ask for more as a player.

“That is no disrespect to Harlequins where I have really enjoyed myself, but this is a new challenge, a chance for me to show what I can do, score some tries and hopefully earn a spot in the England squad.”

The 24-year-old added, “However, it goes without saying, that Harlequins will always be a special club to me and I owe them a lot.

“They have helped me develop as a player and have a career in Rugby League and I must thank them for that and I will continue to give them my all until the end of the season.”

Sharp has asserted himself as a first-team regular in recent seasons after making his debut in 2008.

Having been handed the No.5 jersey, he has gone on to become a vital part of the Quins side, including two try scoring appearances in 2010 against his soon to be new club, Hull FC.

Those tries and a string of strong performances over the last 18 months were enough to catch the eye of Black and Whites head coach Richard Agar and he feels they have landed a player with quality.

“We are delighted we have secured the services of Will from 2011. He is a talented, young and ambitious player and we are pleased he thinks that Hull FC is the place to realise those ambitions,” said Agar.

“He has the ability to carry the ball well and has strength and speed which will be great assets for us next season and I don’t think it will be long before he establishes himself as a crowd favourite at the KC Stadium.”

Despite beginning his career as a youngster in London, Sharp is no stranger to the north having been brought up in Bradford, after being born in Nigeria.

His engagement with Rugby League started early, playing for Queensbury Amateur Rugby League club from 7-years-old before eventually joining the Harlequins Academy as one of the stand out stars.

As an elusive attacking runner and a committed and brave defender, it wasn’t long before his potential as a vital part of the first-team was recognised.

Ahead of the 2008 season, Sharp signed his first full-time first-grade contract before making his debut against Leeds in the Challenge Cup in May of that year.

Three months later he notched up a hat-trick against Bradford Bulls and went on to win the club’s ‘Young Player of the Year’ award, finding his place in the hearts of the Quins supporters as a firm fans favourite.

Similarly, 2010 has proved to be just as promising with some bright performances in an otherwise difficult season for the London club.

Despite playing in a side that has been depleted by injuries this season, Sharp has still managed six tries as well as making it into the top 20 tackle busters and top 10 carriers in Super League, highlighting his exciting attacking skills.

If that isn’t enough to whet the appetite for Hull FC’s Old Faithful ahead of the arrival of Sharp, his long distance try in the recent meeting between Quins and the Black and Whites at the Stoop should do the job.

Don’t miss hearing the thoughts of new signing Will Sharp on tonight’s edition of ‘Airlie Night’ on 99.8 KCFM and around the world on