2023 Season Preview: Hull FC

It was deja vu for Hull FC in 2022 after another promising start to their Betfred Super League campaign ended in disappointment. The Black & Whites occupied a top six spot for more than half a season, before an all too familiar collapse derailed their Play-Off chances. That signalled the end of Brett Hodgson's tenure in West Hull, paving the way for Tony Smith to make the short trip across the city ahead of the 2023 season.

And Smith isn't the only new arrival at the MKM Stadium. The Black & Whites have refreshed their squad thanks to the additions of Newcastle Knights pair Jake Clifford and Tex Hoy, along with Jake Trueman and Rhinos duo Brad Dwyer and Liam Sutcliffe. Clifford, Hoy and Trueman will be tasked with filling the void left by Jake Connor during the off season - Connor equated for most of Hull FC's attacking threat in 2022 and was central to a lot of their points scoring. Heading into the new season, nothing less than a top six spot will suffice in the eyes of the Hull FC fans.

The new man in charge ?

In Tony Smiths first year as head coach at Hull FC, where will they finish on the #SuperLeague table? pic.twitter.com/oHOSz0VkzD
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) December 15, 2022

Ins & Outs

Ins

Jake Trueman (Castleford Tigers), Liam Sutcliffe (Leeds Rhinos), Tex Hoy (Newcastle Knights), Brad Dwyer (Leeds Rhinos), Jake Clifford (Newcastle Knights)

Outs

Jake Connor (Huddersfield Giants), Jordan Johnstone (Widnes Vikings), Luke Gale (Keighley Cougars), Will Smith (West Tigers), Manu Ma'u (Catalans Dragons), Marcus Walker (released), Aidan Burrell (released), Jacob Hookem (Castleford Tigers)

Ones to watch

2023 stars

It's out with the old and in with the new at Hull FC in 2023. The Black & Whites have a new look spine that includes exciting Australian import Tex Hoy. The former Newcastle Knights full-back arrives at the MKM Stadium looking to kick start his career and should thrive plying his trade in Super League. He finished the 2022 NRL season with three tries and five assists from 13 appearances and demonstrated his attacking threat through his exciting running game. Hoy made 31 tackle busts and ran on average for over 100 metres per game and has all the attributes to be a success in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly under the guidance of experienced head coach Tony Smith.

How big an impact will these two have at Hull FC in 2023? ?? pic.twitter.com/SpHWNHO8iR
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) December 15, 2022

Carlos Tuimavave will head into his eighth season at Hull FC in 2023. He managed just seven games in 2022 after his season was cut short due to an Achilles injury, but has consistently been one of the Black & Whites best players during his tenure at the club. He will be like a new signing when he returns to the side ahead of the new campaign and has recently been named captain by Tony Smith - a sign of his stature at the club. 

Tuimavave is likely to lead the team through his actions rather than words, and the Black & Whites will be better with him lined up on an edge. Hull FC managed to score more than 20 points just three times during their final 14 games - and Tuimavave will add flair and a genuine try scoring threat when he returns to the side in 2023.

Next generation

Cameron Scott began last season with huge promise after picking up Hull FC's Young Player of the Year award in 2021. But injuries inhibited his progress following a promising start to the 2022 campaign, leaving him with just seven appearances in what proved to be a frustrating season for the youngster. He started the year brightly, winning February's Northern Try of the Month award thanks to a stellar solo effort against Salford. He will be hoping for more moments of brilliance in 2023 in what could be a pivotal season for both him and Hull FC.

Scott Stunner ?

You chose this brilliant Cam Scott try for @hullfcofficial as your February @northernassist Try of the Month ??#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/SyOcIpfLcJ
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 10, 2022

Defining dates

The Black & Whites ended the first half of the year in fifth place and four points clear of the chasing pack. But just three wins from their last 14 games - including two against bottom placed Toulouse - saw them quickly fall down the league table.

Their home form in the second half of the year was questionable - losing five of their final six games at the MKM Stadium. And it's something new head coach, Tony Smith, will need to improve in 2023. They host back-to-back home fixtures in Round 23 & 24 against the Rhinos and Wolves - games that could prove pivotal in Hull FC's pursuit of a top six spot. And before that, they also face a trip to Wigan in Round 22 in search of a first win at the DW Stadium since February 2019.

Squad list

1. Tex Hoy, 2. Adam Swift, 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 4. Liam Sutcliffe, 5. Darnell McIntosh, 6. Jake Trueman, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Ligi Sao, 9. Danny Houghton, 10. Chris Satae, 11. Andre Savelio, 12. Jordan Lane, 13. Brad Fash, 14. Joe Lovodua, 15. Joe Cator, 16. Kane Evans, 17. Cameron Scott, 19. Ben McNamara, 20. Jack Brown, 21. Connor Wynne, 22. Mitieli Vulikijapani, 23. Josh Griffin, 24. Matty Laidlaw, 25. Davy Litten, 26. Harvey Barron, 27. Will Gardiner, 28. Denive Balmforth, 29. Jamie Shaul, 30. Scott Taylor, 31. Nick Staveley, 32. Charlie Severs, 33. Brad Dwyer 34. Kye Armstrong 35. Lewis Martin 36. Manoa Wacokecoke