Hull Pirates have signed former Sheffield Steelers and Great Britain international forward Jason Hewitt.

The 32-year-old boasts a wealth of top flight experience in the British game, having made nearly 800 Elite League appearances during his career.

“Hewitt said: “It was a good opportunity and a good fit with what I’m doing right now.

“I’m an energy guy, hopefully the Hull fans will take to me when I get there – I’m a hard worker and I will do what it takes for the team this year.

“Everything I’ve ever done has been through hard work. I’ll plan on playing the same game and whatever rewards that come with that is what I’ll be happy with. I’ll do whatever it takes to try and make this team successful.

“I’ve looked into the roster for this season and I’m excited with the guys they’ve brought in. It’s an improved group so we’ll see where it takes us.”

Player/Coach Dominic Osman added: “We’re really happy to be able to bring Jason to Hull. He was one of the guys who we were talking to – he’s one of those guys who we’ve brought in to take our group to the next level.

“Anytime you can get a guy with that experience coming on board, it’s going to be a massive improvement to what we already have now.

“He’s going to be a guy who is going to be counted on to play, top two lines obviously, and he’s a guy who bring experience.

“He’s coming down from the Elite League, which is a good league and it’s continuing to get better. He’s still able to play at that level and anytime you can bring in a guy who can play at that level to us, it’s of course going to be massive.

“You look at the organisation he comes from, it’s absolutely top class. It’s probably the top organisation in the country and he’s been there for ten years.

“It’s incredible to be able to have a guy like that coming to our club. He’s going to be a huge part of our team next season.”

(Image permission: Mick Johnson)