Hull FC want a big centre signing for 2027.
Hull FC target and Dream Team centre Umyla Hanley.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC have identified a top centre as one of their key recruitment pieces for 2027, with Leigh Leopards star Umyla Hanley a primary target.
Hull Live understands the Black and Whites are keen to acquire Hanley, having made no secret of their desire for a big centre signing the season after next. And Hanley, a Super League Dream Team player after a stellar 2025 campaign, would be exactly that.
The son of rugby league great Ellery Hanley, the 23-year-old has over 75 career appearances to his name, having debuted for Wigan Warriors back in 2020. But it’s at Leigh where Hanley has really made his name over the last three years, growing into one of the best three-quarters in the competition.
Hull are keen to bring a centre of that calibre to the club and, with the deadline passed for out-of-contract players to speak to rival clubs, have made their intentions clear.
Meanwhile, Hanley is one of several out-of-contract players at Leigh, with Leythers owner Derek Beaumont recently stating that the club will be put under salary cap pressures next term. That could see Hull strike an advantage in their pursuit for Hanley, who fits the bill for what they are looking for.
However, there is also an understanding that Leigh, who recently retained England forward Owen Trout, will look to prioritise Hanley as one of their own key pieces of retention and, with the player holding a strong bond with head coach Adrian Lam, will be confident of doing just that. Elsewhere, and as reported by Love Rugby League, Hull won’t be short of competition, not only from Leigh, in what is expected to be a competitive market on all fronts once again, particularly for young and quality English players.
For instance, Leeds Rhinos will be out to secure a replacement for Harry Newman, who has signed for new NRL franchise Perth Bears for 2027 and beyond, with other clubs also looking to strengthen their squads.
On that front, Hull, who want a top-tier centre, are no different. They have rising talent Davy Litten tied up long-term, not to mention new recruit Arthur Romano and fellow young back Ryan Westerman. Elsewhere, a decision is to come on Zak Hardaker, with the club and player both having a further year’s option to agree on.
Hanley, who turns 24 in March, would be a stern start to 2027’s recruitment, but it seems Hull have some convincing to do if they want to see him line up in black and white the season after next – and some stern competition at that. But nonetheless a centre is very much on the radar, with a primary target laid out.