Carlos Tuimavave shares Hull FC highlights as special bonds forged and immortality secured

Hull FC’s Carlos Tuimavave
-Credit: (Image: SW Pix)


'Melancholic' was the word Adam Pearson used to describe Carlos Tuimavave's departure from Hull FC at the end of the current season. Along with Danny Houghton, the centre is the last player from the Wembley winning squads of 2016 and 2017 to move on.

It was only natural then that the club's chairman got a bit emotional, with a passing the torch-like moment occurring at the Black and Whites. That 2016 team, all 17 of them, and those who arrived the year after, will never be forgotten. They are Hull FC's Challenge Cup immortals.

Tuimavave, who has been at the club for nine years, is very much in that category. In his pomp, he was up there with the best players in the Super League competition, and he is without doubt one of Hull's best overseas signings of the modern era. Peak Tuimavave was nothing short of outstanding, with the 32-year-old now set to move onto pastures new. And for a proud New Zealander who has given his all, those emotions are there to see.

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"It's been a rollercoaster," Tuimavave told Hull Live. "That's how I'd explain it all. When I first came over, I had a pretty good start to my career here, winning two Challenge Cups, and then captaining the club was a big honour, not just for me but for my family as well.

"To get to walk out with my family as Hull captain, that's something I'll remember for the rest of my life. Looking at the list of the players that have played and captained this club, for my name to be among those players is truly humbling and very special.

"I've had a good run here and some amazing times, and I've built some relationships that will last me forever. There are so many moments and occasions that stand out; being somewhere for nine years, there's been so many good times. Don't get me wrong, we've been through some tough times, but I'm not going to let that overshadow the good ones.

"I've met some lovely people and not just the people through the club, people in the community, and how they've taken my family on and helped us out off the field. Stuff like that I appreciate so much, and it's stuff we'll never forget."

Arriving in Hull in late 2015 as a fresh-faced 23-year-old, Tuimavave admitted his confidence was low. A former Junior Kiwi international, he signed for the Black and Whites from Newcastle Knights, with Lee Radford bringing him out of his shell and into a side that was right up there with the best teams in Super League. That saw Tuimavave fly, building a strong bond with a group of players he still holds in high regard today.

"I came over as a young man," Tuimavave explained. "I've never been the loudest kid, and to be honest, I did lack confidence when I first moved over, but people like Lee Radford and Motu Tony helped me out so much, especially Radders, who gave me so much confidence. He's the best coach I've had throughout my whole career, and I owe him so much. He did so much for me, not only on the pitch but off it as well. Without what they did for me in those first three initial years I was here, I probably wouldn't have stayed for this long.

"There have also been so many players that have come and gone, but the ones who stick out are Gaz Ellis. He didn't say too much, but the way he led with his actions and got everybody to follow him, that was very special to be a part of. Danny Houghton, he's the same; he doesn't say too much, but he always led with his actions. I've got so much respect for those two blokes.

"There's also Mark Minichiello, the way he conducted himself, and in regards to how he looked after his body with recovery and nutrition, I learned so much from him. They had such a huge impact on me being here. I've got to mention Feka Paleaaesina as well. I didn't get to play with him much, but what he did for my family off the field, I'll probably never be able to pay him back. I've got so much respect for him."

That respect transcends through the whole club for Tuimavave, who now wants to 'soak everything up' before his farewell. And for the centre, who has options for the 2025 season, the goal now is to bow out with his head held high at a ground in the MKM Stadium that means a lot to him.

"It's definitely been a tough year, but these last two matches and getting the chance to run out in front of our home fans again, I want to soak up every bit of it and enjoy it," Tuimavave continued. "I think that's the biggest thing I'm going to miss—running out at home in front of our fans—it's the best feeling in the world.

"I didn't realise just how big of a following the club had, coming here as a young man. The history is massive, and the fans are really loyal, and they get behind the team. They let you know when you're doing well and when you're not doing well, but that's sport, isn't it? The fans are really passionate here, and you can tell that they love this club, and it means a lot to them. I'm thankful for their support over the years.

"Of course, there's been some tough times through injury and results, but not everyone sees what goes on behind the scenes, and they don't see what players are dealing with before games or after games. All they see is what we do on the pitch. I'll tell you right now, it's a tough job, especially with outside noises and dealing with the pressure. Living in Hull as well with two rugby teams here, it can be a bit of a fishbowl, but even though it's tough, we're very grateful to do what we do. To live out your childhood dream, go to work, and do something you love every day, I was very fortunate.

"Like I said, there are memories I've made over the years and bonds that I've created with certain people that are priceless. For my family to see me play at Wembley as well, that's something that hopefully will be marked down in history, and all those players who played will be remembered forever. I'm just very honoured and grateful to have been a part of it."

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