Hull FC aiming to break 10,000 season ticket barrier

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Hull FC standards rising to encourage talent- Rule

Hull FC chief executive James Rule says reaching their target of selling 10,000 season tickets will boost the club's chances of being successful in 2011.

The club has already sold 6,500 for the forthcoming Super League season.

Rule told BBC Look North: "The level of support allows us to spend at the salary cap maximum.

"It's enabled us to be aggressive in the market and sign one of the most respected young players [Joe Westerman] in rugby league."

The Black and Whites finished sixth last season and will launch the new campaign with a derby against Hull Kingston Rovers at Millennium Magic in February.

Rule is optimistic that the club can improve on their 2010 efforts and try to replicate their most successful Super League season of 2006, when they reached the Grand Final before losing to St Helens, because of the talent at their disposal.

He said: "Joe Westerman [from Castleford] is our marquee signing.

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"He's 20 years old, played nearly 100 Super League games, is widely tipped to have a big international future ahead of him and is hugely skilful with a great attitude.

"Last year we brought in Sean Long, Mark O'Meley and Craig Fitzgibbon, they're all contracted for next year and I'm delighted we've got them.

"You are not going to be able to sign a Mark O'Meley, a Sean Long and a Craig Fitzgibbon year on year when you are working within a salary cap sport.

"But when you look at the impact Joe has had already and the impression he has made on the squad, I'm very excited for next year."

At youth level Hull now face competition for the best young talent in East Yorkshire from rivals Hull KR following their return to Super League.

But that is something Rule is relishing: "The competition for us is healthy.

"We need to make sure our environment, our culture, the quality of our coaching, the quality of our pathway is at the highest standard to ensure we have the best opportunities to sign players at any level of the club."