Hull FC complete Martin Gleeson signing
- Published
Gleeson scored the opening try for Wigan in last year's Grand Final
Hull FC have completed the signing of former Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson on an 18-month contract.
The 30-year-old, who was released by champions Wigan last month, external, has not been registered in time to face Catalan Dragons on Saturday.
He could make his debut in the Good Friday derby clash with Hull KR at the KC Stadium.
Hull coach Richard Agar said: "We are delighted to capture the signing of a player with his undoubted talent."
He added: "Martin is a world-class player and has been one of the competition's most prominent figures in the last decade with an impressive try-scoring record.
"He is now a Hull FC player and we look forward to him starting his career with the club on what is a clean slate for him.
"He will certainly add strength to our squad and plenty of competition, whilst to bring in a player of his experience, especially at this stage of the season, will be hugely beneficial for us."
Wakefield were also thought to be keen on Gleeson, who has scored 109 tries in 274 Super League appearances with Huddersfield, St Helens, Warrington and Wigan.
He was also linked with a move to Australia, but the chance to play again alongside friend and former Saints team-mate Sean Long helped sway the deal.
Gleeson left Wigan despite having 18 months left on his contract due to what the club referred to as a "serious distraction in his personal life".
But Hull, who sacked Jordan Tansey on the eve of the season for repeated breaches of discipline, external, insist they are happy with Gleeson's commitment.
"We have carried out our due diligence with regard to the issues surrounding Martin's departure from Wigan and we are more than satisfied that he is a suitable [person] to join our team," added Agar.
"He will be expected to adhere to our code of conduct and culture as all our professional players are expected to do and he is already showing a keenness to impress and get his career back on track with Hull FC and we look forward to working with him."