Everyone could be a winner after Westerman exits Tigers for Hull

Hull FC have paid a six-figure sum to entice the prodigious Joe Westerman from Castleford. Dave Craven assesses whether the England hopeful's capture will prove money well spent.

FORKING out one of their highest transfer fees for someone who recently admitted he is not good enough for England may seem like risky business.

Joe Westerman candidly conceded he did not warrant a spot in the friendly international match against Cumbria earlier this month let alone a shot at making the Four Nations trip and many would agree given his mixed performances for Castleford this season.

That fee – reported to be slightly upwards of 100,000 – may only amount to half of Wayne Rooney's weekly wage but rugby league is not awash with money.

Any such investment in a player is nowadays a rarity but the exciting loose forward's potential to shine over the next four years has prompted Hull FC into the bold move.

"Joe is one of, if not, the most talented and naturally gifted young forwards in the British game," insisted coach Richard Agar.

"At just 20 years old, we feel he has the ability to be a dominant player in the competition over the next decade; this is a signing not just for now, but for the long-term future of the club."

Westerman is undoubtedly richly skilled, his footballing quality immediately obvious when he secured Super League's Young Player of the Year in 2008.

He has not developed since as swiftly as many, himself included, had hoped and endured fierce criticism from Huddersfield Giants chief Nathan Brown earlier this season when Tigers dropped him for a game at Galpharm Stadium due to an alleged breach of club alcohol rules.

'Joe's a kid with all that talent but you only see it once every six weeks," said Brown.

Agar's main task will be to ensure no one can accuse goal-kicking Westerman of that in the future and develop the sort of consistency which will help him fulfil his obvious potential.