New recruit Kane Evans says the potential opportunity to represent Fiji at the MKM Stadium in 2022 is a further motivating factor to ensure he enjoys a strong debut season for the Black & Whites next year.
The 29-year old powerhouse prop will link up with Brett Hodgson’s side for the new campaign, having penned a two-year deal with the club after departing NRL outfit New Zealand Warriors.
The former World All-Stars player, known for his powerful running style and hard-hitting defence, has over 130 career appearances under his belt for former clubs Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and the Warriors, and believes he can replicate his playing style in Super League next season.
Explaining his ambitions for 2022, Evans described his determination to put in a strong campaign for his new side, which in turn would put his hand up for selection for his native Fiji side at the Rugby League World Cup.
“The Fiji squad is actually going to be based in Hull for the World Cup next year and play Australia there too, which is super exciting. It’s pretty weird how all of these things link up,” he said.
“I actually played in Hull during the 2013 World Cup for Fiji, it was only my third game for them, but I remember there being a huge crowd that day against England – we had them pretty close for a long time in the game but they eventually got the better of us. It was a really emotional day and I can’t wait to hopefully replicate that.”
He added: “To be able to play in my third World Cup, that would be an absolute dream for me! Especially to be able to do that in Hull, that would be pretty special.
“My first goal is to come over there and make an impact for Hull, but I know if I do my job properly for my club, I’m in a good position to make a mark for my country too.
“I hold playing for Fiji very close to my heart – that’s probably one of the most special experiences of my career to date.”
Evans won’t be the only Fijian in Hull next season vying for a spot in the Bati’s squad at the World Cup, with Joe Lovodua also set to make the MKM Stadium his new home – a familiar face to Evans.
“Joey is very underrated and there are a lot of people who don’t know what he’s capable of.
“He’s done an enormous job for our Fijian team – I couldn’t understand why he didn’t get much game time at St George. He brings some real versatility and a strong running game.
“But when I heard that he was coming over to Hull, that sort of ticked another box for me – I can’t wait to play some more footy with him.”
Lovodua won’t be the only familiar face to Evans, though, having spent two seasons alongside Manu Ma’u at NRL side Parramatta Eels in 2018 and 2019.
“I’ve been speaking to Manu throughout the whole process. He’s such a special player and to have him at Hull alongside me is a real blessing.
“I can speak from my experience at Parramatta that he won’t allow anyone else to slip up and he’ll make sure the standards are high.
“Having players like that is another reason why I want to come over to the club. I can’t wait to pull on the jersey alongside him and go hard.”
With pre-season set to start next Monday, Evans is busy preparing for his move to the other side of the world, as he explains he aims to replicate his playing style seen in the NRL when he pulls on a Black & White shirt.
“I base my whole style around aggression – obviously that has to be controlled in the game these days.
“But I like to challenge the bigger opponents and have a crack against them, really testing myself.
“I do have an offload game that I don’t mind pulling out every so often, but I’m aware that I have to be controlled with that.”
To watch our first interview with Kane Evans since joining the club for 2022 – click here
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