Hull FC will have some big decisions to make.
05:00, 14 Oct 2025Updated 09:26, 14 Oct 2025
Hull FC star Zak Hardaker.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC have eight senior players out of contract come the end of the 2026 season and while any talk of retentions and the like right now may seem premature, there’s no doubt that CEO Richie Myler, head coach John Cartwright and co will have one eye on it as they focus on strengthening every facet of their squad for both now and the future.
A true 365-day affair, the club are always wheeling and dealing and even more so given these players are free to speak to rival clubs come December 1. Here, Hull Live takes an early look at those whose deals are set to expire. .
Yusuf Aydin – Cartwright is a fan of Aydin and has documented his admiration for the player before. He’ll still only be 26 at the end of his current deal, with his peak years ahead of him.
Tom Briscoe (one-year club option) – Hull have a further year’s option in their favour for the veteran outside back, who will turn 36 in March. He’s a valuable asset to the club’s young backs and that role is set to continue next season.
Jed Cartwright – It’s fair to say the back rower, who turns 29 at the end of the month, will be Hull’s first big retention call. Hopefully, the injury troubles of last season are a thing of the past. He deserves some luck and if he stays fit, then the ball is in his court. We all know the quality is there.
Brad Fash – The testimonial man’s future may also depend on how many games he’s available for, with injuries again persisting in 2025. Again, he deserves some luck and a good run. He turns 30 in January.
Zak Hardaker – The club and player, as exclusively reported by Hull Live this summer, have a year’s option in their favour. And given Hardaker’s form and admiration for the club – the triple Player of the Year for last season – this one should be a formality, even if he turns 34 later this month.
Liam Knight – Signing a one-year deal in the summer, Knight’s future beyond 2026 could depend on his personal life, with the prop getting engaged to his Australian-based partner. He was open about his contract length when speaking to Hull Live earlier this year. He had a strong first season at the club and, at 30 years old, will now look to kick on.
Hugo Salabio – The 25-year-old prop spent much of 2025 out on loan but he returned late on in the year. He’ll need to impress in pre-season and then look to fight his way into Cartwright’s side.
Ligi Sao – The prop, who turned 33 last week, has reportedly come back strong in rehab after a serious knee injury. He deserves his chance now to play under Cartwright and rediscover the form that saw him play internationally for Samoa.