An examination of Hull FC’s current hiring policies in light of outstanding deals.
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 examines the agreements that the team might still try to close for the current and upcoming seasons. First up, the largest of all:
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 in a bidding war with St Helens to sign the talented Australian. 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.
Sailor needs to make a significant decision on that front. Hull will have the guy they’ve been searching for if he registers with the East Yorkshire team. The completion of the four spine locations is the top priority; if not, it’s back to the drawing board.
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.
Although no names have surfaced yet, Hull is reportedly looking into availability. The club is eager to add some pace to go along with youthful fliers Logan Moy, Lewis Martin, and the like, thus they want an athletic three-quarter with speed once more.
With ten games remaining in the 2024 season, Hull is hoping to add to its roster this week in preparation for this Saturday’s matchup with Wigan Warriors. Given that the first team roster is currently depleted due to injuries and recent departures, they are particularly interested in the half-back, centre, and prop positions—none more so than Ben Reynolds.
Simon Grix expressed his wish to see new players brought in during Saturday’s post-match press conference. If any loan or short team deals are finalised, it leaves the door open for next season. If they make an impression, a long-term solution might also be considered.
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.
