Season Preview: Hull FC

Hull FC started 2021 in positive fashion before quickly descending out of the Play-off hunt as they finished the season in eighth place. Seven wins and a draw from their opening 11 Betfred Super League games saw Brett Hodgson's side firmly in the picture for a place in the top six during his first season in charge. However, their season quickly imploded, winning just one of their final 10 games and falling short in their pursuit of a Play-off spot.

Change was promised following an underwhelming second half of the year and the Club followed through accordingly. Amongst the movement in and out of West Hull, the Black & Whites made a notable change in a key position - Luke Gale brought in to replace Marc Sneyd in the halves - headlining a quartet of new signings at Hull FC.

Gale brings with him experience and leadership both on and off the field – his presence and knowledge will be invaluable at Hull FC this season. He's joined bustling front rower Kane Evans, the exciting Darnell McIntosh and Fijian international hooker Joe Lovodua at Hull FC as the club look to bounce back in 2022.

Ins & Outs

Ins:

Darnell McIntosh (Huddersfield Giants), Joe Lovodua (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Kane Evans (New Zealand Warriors), Luke Gale (Leeds Rhinos).

Outs:

Mahe Fonua (Castleford Tigers), Bureta Faraimo (Castleford Tigers), Masi Matongo (York City Knights), Marc Sneyd (Salford Red Devils).

Ones to watch

2022 stars

Heads turned when it was announced Luke Gale was joining Hull FC in 2022. It was a deal that seemingly appeared from nowhere and left many people surprised. Gale had joined his boyhood club, Leeds Rhinos, in 2020 and captained them to Challenge Cup success that year - he even kicked a late drop goal to win the match at Wembley. But, after an internal fall out which saw him stripped of the captaincy and his game time reduced, the writing was perhaps on the wall ahead of Gale’s impending exit.

His move from Leeds to Hull FC makes sense – the Black & Whites need strong leaders within their group and Gale certainly provides that. He has already made a positive start to life at Hull FC after being handed the captaincy ahead of the 2022 season. And whilst he may not have a point to prove within the Hull FC squad, the former Man of Steel will be determined to remind fans that he can still do a job at the top level - especially with a World Cup on the horizon. If he stays fit, the move could be a masterstroke from Hull FC.

Jordan Lane crept quietly under the radar ahead of the 2021 season but rose to prominence with his dominant and eye-catching performances. Lane spent time in both the second row and loose forward position last year and has been handed the number 13 shirt at Hull FC in 2022. His line running on the edge caused havoc amongst opposition defences last year, whilst his defensive resolve shone through on numerous occasions – no more so than during his last-ditch charge down during last season’s memorable Rivals Round victory against Hull KR.

A manic ending in #RivalsRound last season 😅

More of the same in 2022? 🤞#SuperLeague
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 26, 2021

Lane was due to make his England Knights debut in the Autumn but pulled out to recover from an injury ahead of the new season. That team first mentality and toughness to make difficult decisions are exactly what Hull FC need moving forward – and Lane will be a huge part of the Club’s plans for years to come. 

Next generation

With new arrival Kane Evans set to miss the opening three rounds through suspension and experienced front-rower Scott Taylor suffering an injury blow during pre-season, young prop Jack Brown may get an opportunity to work his way up the pecking order early this year as he looks to cement a regular place in the Hull FC side.

The 21-year-old has featured intermittently since making a try-scoring debut in 2019 and has shown glimpses of his potential in the first team. He’s a strong ball carrier who’s tough to put down and will only get better as he matures. It was no secret that the Black & Whites were looking to bolster their front row options ahead of the new season and with opportunities beckoning for Brown, expect him to capitalise on his chance.

Defining dates

After their end of year collapse last season, the litmus test for Hull FC will come during a tough period in the second half of the 2022 season. They face a trip to the South of France in Round 15 on Saturday 11 June to face last season's League Leaders, before a one week break due to the international calendar. Hull FC return to action with a trip to Warrington Wolves on Friday 24 June, followed by consecutive home ties against Leeds Rhinos and local rivals Hull KR, before a 5-day turnaround sees Brett Hodgson’s side travel to the DW Stadium to face Wigan Warriors. 

If the Black & Whites are to change their fortunes and reach the Play-offs in 2022, they will need to improve their record during the second half of the season.

2022 squad

1. Jake Connor, 2. Adam Swift, 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 4. Josh Griffin, 5. Darnell McIntosh, 6. Josh Reynolds, 7. Luke Gale, 8. Ligi Sao, 9. Danny Houghton, 10. Chris Satae, 11. Andre Savelio, 12. Manu Ma’u, 13. Jordan Lane, 14. Joe Lovodua, 15. Joe Cator, 16. Kane Evans, 17. Brad Fash, 19. Ben McNamara, 20. Jack Brown, 21. Jordan Johnstone, 22. Josh Bowden, 23. Connor Wynne, 24. Cameron Scott, 25. Mitieli Vulikijapani, 26. Marcus Walker, 27. Jacob Hookem, 28. Aiden Burrell, 29. Jamie Shaul, 30. Scott Taylor.