Hull FC in legal threat over Connor deal

The Super League leaders announced the capture of the 21-year-old last month, saying he had agreed a two-year contract starting next season - a move that caught the Giants by surprise.

A report in the Yorkshire Post claimed the player had changed his mind and now wanted to stay with Huddersfield but Hull issued a statement insisting the deal has been lodged and accepted by the Rugby Football League and revealed that Connor, who is out of contract with the Giants at the end of the year, underwent a medical last week.

“This contract is legally binding and states that the player has signed for Hull FC and will join the club from the 1st December 2016 in preparation for the new season,” the statement said.

“If the contract is not fulfilled for any reason then the club will have to pursue legal proceedings for breach of that contract and for the inducement of that breach.

“The club have acted properly and professionally throughout all aspects of the process, working appropriately within the tight parameters of the game’s operational rules and with close guidance from the Rugby Football League.

“Any suggestion other than this by any other party is merely speculation and false conjecture.”

Connor, who progressed through Huddersfield’s academy, was the Giants’ man of the match in their 22-12 victory over Hull at the John Smith’s Stadium last Thursday.

“Jake knows the door is always open for him from our side should he wish to remain a Giant,” Huddersfield managing director Richard Thewlis said.