Hull were never close to signing superstar Benji Marshall admits Brett Hodgson

So far, the Airlie Birds have made just one capture, the admittedly stellar, high-profile Australian half-back Josh Reynolds who followed the new chief from NRL’s Wests Tigers.

In contrast, Hull have seen the likes of Ratu Naulago, Josh Jones and Lewis Bienek all move on since the end of last season while Gareth Ellis has also retired.

Before Reynolds’ capture, they were linked with Wests’ veteran Kiwi superstar half-back Marshall but he seems set to now link up with South Sydney.

Hodgson said the 35-year-old was never likely to move to Super League and added: “The stuff reported in the Australian papers was way off the mark.

“We had a conversation with Benji but effectively it ended after talks with his management.

“I’m thrilled that Josh is here in terms of taking up that role; we’ve got Josh for a number of years where he can lead the direction forward which is what we’re trying to achieve.

“We are always looking at building the squad.

“At this stage there are obviously some very good players that aren’t on the market so we’re trying to continue our search to see what’s available.

“There’s a couple of names popping up on our radar and we’re always talking about this.

“We’ll continue to do that and whether it’s in a week’s time or six months or even next year, we’re always looking to build.”

On who he thinks will be challenging in 2021, Australian Hodgson said: “Huddersfield are strengthening quite well.

“You obviously have Wigan, Leeds, Saints and Warrington. They’ll all be up there.

“But as far as we’re concerned we’re preparing for ourselves to play at a different level to what we were last year so hopefully come the end of the year we’re in some peoples’ conversations.”

Elsewhere, Wigan Warriors hooker Amir Bourouh, 20, has joined hometown Halifax Panthers on a season-long loan.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive membiers-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.