Hull FC are heading into the new Super League with a squad that many believe is capable of claiming a top six spot.
The Black and Whites have added eight new signings over the off-season and they are now able to boast one of the biggest and most powerful packs in the division. They’ve also brought in Jake Arthur from the NRL to play in the halves alongside Aidan Sezer.
One thing Hull will never lose sight of, though, is the importance of bringing through homegrown players and another group of talented youngsters is now on the verge of the first-team picture.
A number of them got game time under John Cartwright last season, but they’ll be looking to kick on in 2026 and give the head coach some real food for thought down the line.
With that in mind, here’s five youngsters to watch out for in 2026 at the MKM Stadium.
Hull FC youngsters to watch in 2026
Callum Kemp
The half-back featured in Hull’s last three Super League games of 2025 to take his appearance tally to four, and he showcased just why he is so highly thought of in west Hull.
The 19-year-old looked more than comfortable alongside the experience of Aidan Sezer and while the Australian took on most of the creative responsibility, Kemp had his say on contests as well.
He has Jake Arthur and Cade Cust in front of him in the half-back pecking order, but Kemp will be looking to continue his development and force his way into Cartwright’s thinking.
Joe Phillips
Phillips left Leeds Rhinos last year in the pursuit of first-team action and he found it with Goole Vikings, where he made nine appearances in League One. He probably didn’t play as much as he would have liked but he did enough to catch the eye of Hull, who snapped him up on a two-year deal.
Having tasted first-team action, he’ll have ambitions of earning a chance with the Airlie Birds in 2026 and he’ll compete with the likes of Matty Laidlaw, Brad Fash and Yusuf Aydin for opportunities.
Lloyd Kemp
The brother of Callum, above, Lloyd is also a playmaker but has spent much of his career so far as a full-back. He scored his first senior try in the Challenge Cup win over York Acorn back in February and he caught the eye when stepping off the bench to face Leigh Leopards in August, too.
As such, Hull FC are very much aware of what Kemp is capable of and as he continues to develop physically, he could well land more opportunities this year.
Will Hutchinson
The hooker made four outings for the Black and Whites last season with appearances coming in the win over Wigan Warriors back in July, the draw with Leigh Leopards and the one-sided Cup win over York Acorn. He also played one game on loan at Hunslet.
He’s a livewire off the bench and while he is still only 19, the expectation is that he will feature even more in 2026, especially with Denive Balmforth set to spend the season with York Knights on loan.
Ryan Westerman
Westerman has spent some time around the first-team picture at Hull, but he is yet to fully make his mark in the senior side. He turns 20 next month and it’s fair to say that he’ll be doing all he can to secure opportunities in pre-season and the early rounds of the Challenge Cup to show what he’s all about.
He has made two outings for Hull, with his last being against York Acorn in February, but most of his game time last season came with Hunslet, where he made seven appearances.
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