Hull FC have signed former Hull KR captain and half back James Webster on a short term contract until the end of the season.

The new deal is dependant on Webster securing his British passport which will make the 28-year-old a non-quota player.

Chief executive James Rule said: “Obviously the deal is dependant on James securing his British passport which will take him off the quota because we’re currently have all our quota places filled.

“We and James are confident that will go through shortly and we believe James will then become a valuable member of our squad and will provide the team with some vital qualities which have been missing because of our injury problems this season.

“In the meantime we will be looking to assist James with his rehabilitation on his shoulder and he can assist us with his knowledge and experience.”

Webster, who will be 29 on July 11, had his contract with Hull KR terminated after he suffered a shoulder injury which Hull KR stated would rule him out for the season.

However, Webster’s recovery has been much better than expected and he is now close to full fitness and he is naturally keen to resume his career.

With Hull KR having released him and also having signed Australian Michael Dobson, Webster, who is a free agent, has been able to look elsewhere in the Super League.

Webster admits he is excited by the cross city move and said: “It is an exciting move for me.

“When it comes to challenges in Rugby League they don’t get much bigger than coming to Hull FC.

“This is a challenge I am looking forward to and one I probably need at this stage of my career.

“I can only see things being good and hopefully I can do enough between now and the end of the season to convince Hull to offer me a new contract. For me this is not a short term deal and I’d like to thing I can finish my career here in Hull.”

His arrival at the KC has certainly delighted Head Coach Richard Agar, who said: “Hopefully James will get through the red tape and will join us because I feel in our current predicament James will be able to offer us added direction and also help some of our younger players progress as well as assisting Adam Dykes.

“I think his record and level of performance speaks for itself and I am delighted to have a player of his calibre joining our squad.”

Webster revealed he was delighted with the way his shoulder has progressed, and added: I have been passed by a specialist two weeks ago. He said I can get into full contact this weekend and also be right to play, hopefully, in time for the derby.

“I am confident everything is all right and with a couple more weeks rehab I’ll be good to go.”

As for his passport application he said: “I have received a letter from the Home Office stating that they have received all the information they need. I am now just waiting for a date for my ceremony to get my nationalisation and then it should be all done.

“I am hoping its all done asp and as for a time frame I would hope to play in the derby.”

Hull undoubtedly need a little guidance and direction and Webster hopes to bring that. He watched Sunday’s game against Catalans and said: “I thought we were quite good but just needed a little polish. Hopefully I can bring that to the team.

“Hull have struggled in the halves this year because of injuries and it has put a lot of pressure on people. If I can take that pressure off and bring something extra to the side then I’ll be happy.”