A look at Hull FC’s current stance on recruitment with deals still to be completed.
Hull FC is continuing actively recruiting in order to put together the finest team possible for newly appointed head coach John Cartwright, despite having signed seven players for the 2025 season, six of whom have been formally confirmed. The team still has two quota places to deal with, and if the right players in the appropriate positions become available, there is room for additional arrivals and departures.
As the team’s Director of Rugby, Richie Myler is in charge, and Hull needs competitiveness and depth to move up the Super League standings. They are willing to make the necessary acquisitions to guarantee that they are a successful team again the next season because they are that desperate.
Here, Hull Live takes a look at what deals the club could still look to complete, both for now and for next season. We start with the biggest of all:
Complete the spine
Hull has to make some corrections in the spine placements before 2025. Jordan Abdull was signed to play half-back for them for the next three years. His first-team experience and strong kicking ability are expected to improve the team’s offensive capabilities. Amir Bourouh has been signed as a hooker, and Cade Cust has been brought in to provide depth at both the hooker and half-back positions. Denive Balmforth has also inked a new contract, and Jake Trueman’s three-year contract has one season left on it.
A full-back with quickness and ball-playing abilities is what Hull is now looking for to sign. That player has been identified as Tristan Sailor, and the team is currently engaged in conflict with St Helens to obtain the Australian talent. The 26-year-old, who is presently with the Brisbane Broncos of the NRL, appears to be headed to the Super League, as the two rival teams are vying for his services.
On that front, Sailor has a big decision to make. If he signs for the East Yorkshire club, then Hull have the type of player they’ve been looking for. If not, then it’s back to the drawing board, but either way, the completion of the four spine spots is the highest priority.
Use the final quota spot
Currently, John Asiata, Jed Cartwright, Cade Cust, Herman Ese’ese, and Ligi Sao are occupying Hull’s quota seats for 2025. Hull also wants to spend their last spot on an outside back, even if their main goal is to finish the spine.
No names have yet arisen, but Hull are understood to be exploring availability. They want an athletic three-quarter, again with speed, with the club keen to add some pace to go with teenage flyers Logan Moy, Lewis Martin, and the like.
Hull still have ten games of the 2024 season to go, with the club looking to bolster their squad this week ahead of Saturday’s game against Wigan Warriors. They are interested in the half-back, centre, and prop positions, with the first-team squad currently stretched with injuries, not to mention recent departures, and none more so than Ben Reynolds.
Speaking in Saturday’s post-match press conference, Simon Grix made no secret of his desire to see new players brought in, and should any loan or short team deals be completed, it keeps the door open for next year. If they impress, then something long term could also be a possibility.
Tex Hoy, Darnell McIntosh, Fa’amanu Bown, Franklin Pele, Jayden Okunbor, Cam Scott, and Damel Diakhate are among the players Hull has let go during the season. Additional players are expected to part ways at the end of the current campaign.
Danny Houghton, who is anticipated to retire at the end of the season, will be the most emotional of all. Liam Sutcliffe has joined the Huddersfield Giants, while Charlie Severs, Mitieli Vulikijapani, Joe Cator, Carlos Tuimavave, and others have contracts that expire in November. While Hull tries to wrangle their way into the strongest squad possible for 2025, there may also be doubts about the fate of several players who are still under contract.
