Hull FC's Carlos Tuimavave ready to embrace trio of Kiwi legends on their return to club

He is already deemed royalty by Hull FC’s adoring fans.

But ‘King’ Carlos Tuimamave would love to earn the same legendary status as a returning trio of regal Kiwi stars. The classy New Zealander centre, who is nearing 150 games for the Black and Whites, will feature against Toulouse in Betfred Super League on Saturday. And some of the club’s Kiwi heroes of yesteryear - Dane O’Hara, Gary Kemble and Fred Ah Kuoi - will present the match ball before kick-off.

They are back in the city to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hull’s famous 1982 Challenge Cup success, one of many triumphs in a golden period for the club. Prolific winger O’Hara and full-back Kemble, along with Kiwi centre James Leuluai, joined Hull in 1981-82. They immediately helped them win the Cup for the first time in 62 years plus the John Player Trophy.

Stylish stand-off Ah Kuoi followed his New Zealand team-mates the following campaign when Hull also claimed the league title. The East Yorkshire club has not won it since. With three successive Yorkshire Cup glories as well, it is little wonder the Kiwis are so revered in the west of the city.

Aucklander Tuimavave, 30, enthused: “I definitely know a lot about them. They are all Kiwi and Hull FC legends. They were the first group of Kiwis to come over for Hull and had a big influence. They paved the way for those of us who’ve played for Hull ever since.

“They influenced that and you look at the long line of Kiwis who represented Hull over the years and it comes down to those guys. I’ve not had chance to catch up with them yet but I’m hoping to on Saturday and pay my respects.”

As part of the first Hull side to win at Wembley in 2016, lifting the Challenge Cup again 12 months later, Tuimavave is already