The Black and Whites will return to training next month.
13:21, 03 Oct 2025Updated 13:33, 03 Oct 2025
Hull FC’s Ligi Sao in pre-season training. (Image: Hull FC)
Hull FC will return to pre-season training on Monday, 3 November. The Black and Whites completed the 2025 season a fortnight ago, with the squad, who have conducted their reviews and debriefs, set for another month off before the hard work begins once again.
Returning to action, Hull will undergo three months of solid training, splitting it into two blocks pre- and post-Christmas, before the 2026 season begins in February.
Already confirming a ‘different’ pre-season will take place, the early focus for John Cartwright and his staff will be getting Hull’s injured players through their rehabs and into training again before a step up intensity takes place.
They suffered season-ending injuries to the likes of Will Pryce (foot), Ed Chamberlain (hamstring), Jed Cartwright (pectoral), Herman Ese’ese (Achilles), John Asiata (hamstring), Will Hutchinson (ankle), and Liam Knight (ankle), while Cade Cust and Aidan Sezer also played through the pain barrier.
Brad Fash too is looking to get past a leg injury picked up at the end of the year. However, it’s expected that only Ese’ese will be unavailable come selection for the friendlies and competitive action. He is targeting an end of March return.
On a lighter note, Ligi Sao is set to be ready to go on day one of pre-season. The prop, who signed a new one-year deal for 2026, was almost fully fit at the end of last season after a strong rehab spell following a serious knee injury. Roman Dawson, who ruptured his ACL for the second time, is also closing in on his return.
As for the club’s new signings, only Jake Arthur is arriving from Australia, with the half-back set to start his partnership with Sezer from the get-go. The likes of Harvie Hill, Joe Batchelor, and James Bell may be given extra time off pending the outcome of St Helens and Wigan’s 2025 seasons, which are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, confirmation of the Super League’s 2026 line-up will come after the Grand Final, but the Black and Whites are expected to take part in their 28th consecutive season in the top flight. They are anticipated to receive Grade A status from IMG, securing their place in the competition as one of its top-12 scored clubs.