Hull FC 2026 season preview
2025 recap
The Black and Whites made huge progress under new coach John Cartwright in 2025, only narrowly missing out on the play-offs.
Most of their new arrivals made a strong impression when fit, and despite some disappointing home form, there were plenty of positives to take from the campaign.
2025 position: 7th
Key signings
Sam Lisone (Leeds), Jake Arthur (Newcastle Knights), Connor Bailey (York), Joe Batchelor (St Helens), James Bell (St Helens), Harvie Hill (Wigan), Arthur Romano (Catalans), Joe Phillips (Goole)
Key departures
Cobie Wainhouse (Hull KR), Jordan Rapana (Retirement), Jordan Lane (Castleford), Jack Ashworth (Castleford), Jack Charles (Hull KR), Will Gardiner (Bradford), Zach Jebson (Midlands Hurricanes), Owen Haldenby (Salford RLFC), Liam Watts (Goole Vikings), Ed Chamberlain (Bradford – season-long loan), Denive Balmforth (York – season-long loan)
Players to watch
Will Pryce looked good in his 10 appearances for the Black and Whites last year, after arriving from the Newcastle Knights. Sadly, injury prevented him from playing more games, but he’s been given the number one jersey for 2026, and could be one of Super League’s standput fullbacks this season.
Jakob Arthur looks a good pickup from the NRL. The 23-year-old has never nailed down a first grade spot Down Under, with 34 appearances to his name. The Black and Whites have given him the number six jersey though, and if they are to crack the top six, much will depend on his halves partnership with Aidan Sezer.
Young gun
Lewis Martin firmly established himself as one of Super League’s premier wingers in 2025, finishing the campaign as the competition’s top tryscorer with 25. Maybe it’s a bit unfair to label him as a ‘young gun’ given that he’s played so much in first grade already, but he’s still only 21, and this year there’ll be more of a target on his back from opposition defences.
Our prediction – 6th
I think the Black and Whites will go one step further this year and crack the top six. They’ve given themselves a strong platform to build on in 2025, and there are a few new signings with plenty of Super League experience.
