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2026 Season Preview: Hull FC

9 hrs

2026 Season Preview: Hull FC

Hull FC will be looking to continue their forward progression since John Cartwright took the helm and will be hopeful to reach the Play-Offs in 2026.

After 10th and 11th placed finishes in 2023 and 2024, with the latter just seeing three wins in 27 Super League matches, Cartwright started his rebuild of the East Yorkshire side last season making a big impact. Despite missing out on top six, a seventh placed finish gives plenty of hope to Hull fans.

Former Saints duo James Bell and Joe Batchelor have joined the side as well as powerful prop Sam Lisone strengthening the forward pack. Harvie Hill makes the switch from the Warriors, meanwhile, Jake Arthur, son of Rhinos’ Head Coach Brad, is added to the halves. Connor Bailey and Joe Phillips both join after playing in lower levels last year. Arthur Romano swapped Catalans for Hull.

Despite not finishing in the Play-Offs last season, Hull FC thrived under Cartwright, no more than Herman Ese’ese and Lewis Martin who both were named in the Super League Dream Team. Martin also finished 2025 as Super League’s top scorer with 25 tries.

Can the Black and Whites continue this upward trajectory and secure a Play-Off place for the first time since 2020? They've recruited strongly - and certainly have the depth and quality to do so!

Ins & Outs:

Ins: 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)

Outs: Cobie Wainhouse, Jordan Rapana, Jordan Lane, Jack Ashworth, Jack Charles, Will Gardiner, Zach Jebson, Owen Haldenby, Liam Watts, Ed Chamberlain, Denive Balmforth

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Who are the ones to watch?

Herman Ese’ese has made a huge impact since joining Hull in 2024. The prop was a shinning light in a dim season and he followed it up with another stellar season in 2025, which unfortunately was cut short. 

 

Will Pryce showed glimpses of his brilliance on his return to Super League. Pryce returned from Australia last season and made his Hull FC debut against rivals Hull KR in the Betfred Challenge Cup. The 23 year-old showed his explosive best at Catalans away, when two long range tries helped guide the Black and Whites to a 34-0 success. With a full season at Hull FC, could Pryce be a contender for the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel?

Lewis Martin has emerged as a real young talent in this Hull side. The 21 year-old has 35 tries in 52 Super League appearances, 25 of which came last season. The speedy winger and proved to be a threat and linked up well with centre Davy Litten. 

 

Mr. Versatile, Zak Hardaker, is also another true leader that the Black & Whites are lucky to have in their side, as is skipper and mastermind, Aidan Sezer.

Who is the next generation?

Fans saw a sneak peek into the future last season, with young prospect Callum Kemp. Kemp is highly thought of and featured for Cartwright’s side in the final three games of the season, including starting in the halves in the final two.      

 

Kemp did make his debut against Catalans in 2024, however, had to wait nearly a year for his next taste of Super League. The 19-year old is joined by twin brother, Lloyd in the FC set up. With experienced halves Aidan Sezer and Cade Cust passing on their valuable knowledge, 2026 could be a huge season if and when Kemp is called upon.

What are the defining dates?

Hull FC will be hoping to turn their fortunes against their nearest and dearest of Hull KR. The Robins completed a clean sweep of victories in all three meetings in both league and cup last year. The Black and Whites have failed to beat the side from East Hull since July 2023 and that's something that hurts them. Will this change in 2026?

Cartwright’s men will host the Robins at Easter, before a trip to the banks of the Mersey in July awaits at Magic WKND.

The Black and Whites have struggled at home with a losing run nearly reaching a year before victory against Wakefield Trinity halted that unwanted stat. A visit from the newly promoted Bradford Bulls kicks off FC's campaign, before York travel to the MKM Stadium in Round 3. Back-to-back home wins are crucial for both Hull’s campaign and confidence, and could be a real tone-setter.

What is the 2026 squad list?

1. Will Pryce, 2. Harvey Barron, 3. Davy Litten, 4. Zak Hardaker, 5. Lewis Martin, 6. Jake Arthur, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Herman Ese’ese, 9. Amir Bourouh, 10. Harvie Hill, 11. Joe Batchelor, 12. Jed Cartwright, 13. John Asiata, 14. Cade Cust, 15. James Bell, 16. Sam Lisone, 17. Liam Knight, 18. Ligi Sao, 19. Tom Briscoe, 20. Yusuf Aydin, 21. Arthur Romano, 22. Connor Bailey, 23. Brad Fash, 24. Logan Moy, 25. Matty Laidlaw, 26. Hugo Salabio, 27. Callum Kemp, 28. Joe Phillips, 29. Will Hutchinson, 30. Will Kirby, 31. Ryan Westerman, 32. Lloyd Kemp, 33. Roman Dawson, 34. Joe Ward, 35. Ben Johnson, 36. Lennon Clark

What are Hull FC's first three games on SuperLeague+?

SuperLeague+ is back for another HUGE year of live action, and this is when fans can watch Hull FC in the opening rounds (UK and Ireland)*

  • Round 1: Hull FC v Bradford Bulls - Saturday 14 February (K.O. 5.30pm)
  • Round 2: Wigan Warriors v Hull FC – Saturday 21 February (K.O. 8pm)
  • Round 3: Hull FC v York Knights – Friday 27 February (K.O. 8pm)

*Overseas viewers can watch EVERY Hull FC match LIVE every week.

Sign up to SuperLeague+ today to enjoy 130 LIVE games, full match replays, highlights and other exclusive on demand content!

What are Hull FC's Betfred Odds?

Grand Final – 16/1

Regular season winner – 16/1

Top 6 finish – 5/6

Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Winner – Will Pryce 18/1

Click here for the full list of Betfred Super League betting odds

Where can I follow Hull FC on social media?

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Hull FC and 30 years of Super League:

Hull FC made their Super League debut in 1998 under the name Hull Sharks, before changing to Hull FC in the Millennium.

Since then, the Black and Whites have been ever present since. During that time, FC reached the Grand Final on one occasion, although they were denied the greatest prize of all and were defeated 26-4 by St Helens.

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Hull FC have made the Play-Offs 13 times in the Super League era, but have failed to record a top place finish.

A second place in 2006 hasn’t been replicated since, just third place was achieved in successive 2016 and 2017 seasons.

How long will the Black and Whites have to wait for silverware?

 

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