LOCAL PAPER REPORTING: Hull FC eye Bradford's Olivier Elima

[FC Mck]

HULL FC have expressed an interest in signing France captain Olivier Elima, the Mail understands.

The 29-year-old second-row is out of contract at Bradford at the end of this season and is yet to agree a new contract at Odsal.

​
French international Olivier Elima

Elima's situation has alerted Hull, with the former Catalan man able to play in the back row or front row.

Following Willie Manu's switch to St Helens and the expected departures of props Sam Moa and Mark O'Meley, Hull coach Peter Gentle is eager to strengthen his pack.

Elima's ability to play either as a wide second row or through the middle is believed to appeal to the Black and Whites' coach.

The French international boasts 10 years experience in Super League, having started his career at Castleford before moving to Wakefield and then Catalan.

A knee operation last winter kept him out of the opening six rounds of this year's competition. However, he has featured in all but one game since because of a one-match suspension.

Elima has publicly stated he would be interested in staying with the Bulls and extending his contract, but he has admitted he has other potential suitors.

Bradford's financial problems have so far left them unable to commit to re-signing any of their out-of-contract stars, with 17 of the first team squad without deals for 2013.

It has led to a number of Super League clubs circling the Bulls squad, with Hull having already shown an interest in young Bradford winger Jason Crookes.

A deal to bring Crookes to the KC Stadium is believed to be much closer to completion than any potential signing of Elima, who is one of a number of players Hull are considering as Gentle continues his rebuilding of the club.

[billie joe]

Half decent player but is a penalty machine,if Hull want him to replace Manu best of luck to them.

[Trinity_13]

Very good player......would welcome him back to Wakey.......

[drsrhino]

Very aggressive. Strong runner. I like him. Does give the odd silly penalty away but still a better than average forward.

[8ULL5HITT4]

I hope we can offer him what he wants. he has been good for us and he puts the effort in.

[LambertandWebbler]

I don't mind if he goes...he's ordinary

[Sir_Olivier_Elima]

I know he's not Leeds class, but if I was the Wakey chairman I'd give my left nut for him!

[HKR AWAY DAYS]

(06-12-2012 10:00 PM)LambertandWebbler Wrote:  I don't mind if he goes...he's ordinary

I don't think much to him now. A few years ago he was o'rite...

[8ULL5HITT4]

My mate told me he had Hock in his back pocket last night. Probably an exaggeration but an interesting idea.

[Upanunder]

(06-12-2012 07:17 PM)Trinity_13 Wrote:  Very good player......would welcome him back to Wakey.......

Agreed...I was pissed off when he moved on