The Hull FC recruit is looking to go up against a familiar face.
New Hull FC recruit Connor Bailey.(Image: SW PIX)
Connor Bailey has many motivations at Hull FC this year but few offer as much incentive as the fixture list itself – and a chance to get one over an old coach and friend.
One of eight recruits at the Black and Whites, Bailey joins Hull after two years playing part time at York Knights – and if all goes to plan, he could be facing his former employer come round three of Super League.
Determined to make his mark, Bailey is relishing the competition alongside Jed Cartwright and Joe Batchelor as he bids to break into the side. Expected to get the nod in the club’s pre-season games against Huddersfield Giants and Wigan Warriors, and then, if all goes to plan, once again in the Challenge Cup third round, the 26-year-old is eager to take the chances to stake his claim.
And there’s no denying the drive to face an old chum in Mark Applegarth, who oversaw the player’s rise from academy to senior player at his debut club Wakefield Trinity – a working relationship that was rekindled at the Knights over the last two seasons.
“I had a class two years at York, and particularly since Mash came in – it was unbelievable,” Bailey, who was part of York’s 1895 Cup and Championship league leaders shield success in 2025, told Hull Live. “We were unlucky to fall short at the last hurdle in the final (against Toulouse) but it was still a great year.
“Playing at Wembley, that was unbelievable, and winning the league, too, but to fall short in the Grand Final was gutting. That took a while to sink in.
“It was a tough pill to swallow but overall I had two class years there, I learned a lot, and I met a lot of good people. I’ve got no regrets.”
On Applegarth’s influence, Bailey continued: “I’ve known Mash since I was like 13. He was there at Wakefield throughout all my time there, he helped my game a lot, and kept me really accountable. He was quite tough on me, too, which I quite appreciate now looking back. He played a big role in getting me where I am today.”
Hull’s games against York this year will be the first competitive affairs between the two sides since the 1997 season, with both clubs competing in the second tier. That year, Hull were promoted, with York joining the summer era’s elite competition for the first time this season.
“It’s early on, isn’t it, and at home,” Bailey said on the fixtures, with the away trip to North Yorkshire coming in July. “It will be interesting, but while I’m looking forward to that and hopefully getting in the team early on, going back to York in the summer will be great.
“It’s an unbelievable stadium, and what Clint (Goodchild, owner) is doing there is class. It will be nice to go back and see a lot of old friends and go see Mash. Hopefully we can go there, make it a good game, and get the win.”
Keen to make his mark at Hull, Bailey is loving his time in a full-time environment. And for the back rower, his goals are simple: help the side make the finals in any way he can.
“It has to be the play-offs,” Bailey added when asked about Hull’s goals this year. “With what this club did last year it’s certainly achievable. We just need to keep working hard into the pre-season games and then the rest will come.”