IT'S been a big week for Hull FC. While the capture of Mickey Paea from Hull KR has ruffled a few feathers in the east of the city, that signing is one for next season.
However, the arrival of Jacob Miller offers hope not just for the future in what is looking like a strong competitive squad next year, but hope for the present.
Named in the 19-man squad for tonight's game at Castleford, how much game time Miller gets we'll have to wait and see.
Coach Peter Gentle is eager to not put too much pressure on the 20-year-old and there's no doubting he'll need time to settle in and adjust to his new team-mates and surroundings.
But at training this week the ex-Wests Tigers scrum-half showed all the signs he's quickly found his feet and there's no doubting the impression he made on his new colleagues.
Hull have done well this season after a poor start, but they've done it playing in a way that suited the options they had available.
The arrival of Miller is likely to see that style change and there's no doubting the second rowers at the club are particularly looking forward to Miller being in the side.
While Gareth Ellis is yet to find his best form, Joe Westerman and Richard Whiting have performed well, but in a way they've done it against the odds.
The service to the second-row and three-quarter line has been good, but it could be a lot better and the speed and direction Miller should bring will allow Hull's wide men to be able to impress further.
With nearly a fully-fit group of forwards, how the make up of that second row, and indeed the front row, will look in the coming weeks will be interesting.
Danny Tickle will finally be fit for Wakefield next up, as should Ellis and with Ben Galea returning to feature tonight, and Whiting and Westerman playing well, Gentle faces some tough decisions.
The same can be said for the outside backs, with Kirk Yeaman under threat for his place from Joe Arundel, while Jason Crookes is bidding to play well to keep out Tom Briscoe.
It's an ideal situation for Gentle to be in. He'll now be hoping that competition for places will provide the necessary lift to take Hull onto the next level in their progression as they search not just for a consistency of results, but a consistency of performances.
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