Hull’s out-of-favour hooker Howarth returns to Wakefield

He left KC Stadium yesterday to re-join Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for a second spell.

Hull ended Howarth’s current contract, which was due to expire at the end of the season, enabling him to join the West Yorkshire club on an 18-month deal.

He said: “I am happy to be back at Wakefield.

“When I found that there was an opportunity to come back to the club, I jumped at it.

“I was at Hull FC and only played a few games. was offered a lot more game time here and I want to play rugby. So it was the right decision for me to make.”

Howarth made just six appearances for Hull after joining them as a free agent from Salford Red Devils at the start of the season covering at hooker and loose forward.

The 25-year-old has also spent time on loan at the East Yorkshire club’s dual-registration partner Doncaster.

Hull head coach Lee Radford, said: “On behalf of all the staff, coaches and players I would like to thank Stuart for his contribution to the club during his time here.

“He came in late to pre-season at the start of the year, but applied himself really well.

“He has stepped into the side when required and done a good job for us. We would like to wish him all the very best for the future.”

Howarth made his Super League debut with Wakefield in 2011 when he made 21 appearances and has also played for St Helens.

Trinity chairman Michael Carter explained: “I am delighted to welcome Stuart back to the club.

“He had a successful stint here in 2011 and will bring some much-needed defensive attributes to our squad.

“He can cover a variety positions for us and will be a valuable member for the remainder of this season and next season.”

Meanwhile, after Radford saw Hull win 25-12 at Widnes Vikings on Thursday, recording an eighth win in 10 games after a shocking start to the year, he praised, in particular, second-rows Mark Minichiello and captain Gareth Ellis.

“I would not be carrying the football anywhere in and around Gareth Ellis at the moment,” he said.

“For the life of me I cannot understand why full-backs keep skipping into that gap he keeps leaving because he closes it pretty quickly and pretty physically.

“Minichiello looks gone and then remarkably he’ll come up with something special on the next play.

“It’s a credit to him and how tough he is.

“He is arguably one of the most professional players I’ve ever come across as a player or coach and epitomises what we want at the club and what we want our young blokes to aspire to,” said Radford.

“He has been a fantastic signing (from Gold Coast Titans) and a champion bloke off the field too.”