By Dave Woods

Blacklock will be joining Hull

Super League title chasers Hull have swooped to sign former Australian Test winger Nathan Blacklock.

He will join the club from the start of next season after finding himself surplus to requirements at NRL side St George Illawara.

Blacklock will fill Hull's remaining overseas quota spot, alongside Stephen Kearney and Richard Swain.

That means the Airlie Birds will withdraw their interest in Bradford and New Zealand centre Shontayne Hape.

Blacklock said: "I'm really looking forward to coming over to England and playing with Hull FC in a strong English competition.

"I've been watching and monitoring the progress of Hull FC throughout the season and they've been going very well.

"I've been impressed with their half-back combination of Richard Horne and Paul Cooke and also Shaun Briscoe at full-back."

The 28-year-old Blacklock still had another year on his contract at St George before being snapped up by Hull.

And Hull assistant coach John Kear, who takes over the hot seat at the KC Stadium next year, said: "The signing of Nathan is a very exciting one for all concerned and his try-scoring record has been second to none in recent years down under.

"I'm sure he will contribute greatly with our offensive work at the KC Stadium."

The player, who had a short spell in rugby union two years ago, was a try scorer in the 1999 Grand Final. He's also a former Aussie tourist.