Goole Vikings have announced the signing of former Hull FC and Castleford Tigers veteran Liam Watts ahead of the new season.
Watts has been without a club since leaving Hull at the end of the 2025 Super League season, but he has agreed to join the Vikings in what comes as a huge boost as they make the step up to the Championship.
Head coach Scott Taylor knows the prop well, of course, having spent several years playing alongside him in Hull’s front-row. The pair won two Challenge Cups together back in 2016 and 2017 and they will now be reunited in East Yorkshire.
Goole will represent Watts’ fourth permanent club as a player, having started his career at Castleford before moving on to make his name at Hull KR. He joined Hull FC in 2012 and made 152 appearances for the Black and Whites before he returned to Castleford in 2018.
Watts had a second spell with Hull last season, but injuries ensured he made just eight games during that stint.
He’ll be keen to find more traction in the part-time ranks with Goole, though, and he has outlined his excitement for the challenge ahead.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started and getting in and around Scott and the boys. It seem like a really tight-knit group,” Watts said.
“I’m excited to watch the club grow over the next few years, especially with the new stand opening soon.
“The club has done so well over the last year from a standing start, so it’s an exciting challenge in the Championship to help them continue to grow and see where we can take them – and hopefully get some wins on the board in 2026.
“I played with Scott and I know how committed he is as a person and a player, so to be playing under him will be a great opportunity. It’ll be interesting to see how far he’s come from playing into coaching, something I’d like to do myself down the track once I retire.
“I’d also like to thank everyone at the Vikings for the very warm welcome. I’m looking forward to playing my part in getting this club to where it wants to be in the future, on and off the field. It’s a great time to be a Viking.”
Goole Vikings head coach Scott Taylor on signing his former Hull FC teammate
On the addition of the 25-year-old, head coach Taylor said: “Liam is a huge addition for us and a real boost to the squad ahead of the new season,” he said.
“He’s someone we know very well, a number of people around the club have worked with him before and we know exactly what we’re getting.
“We’ve been patient with our recruitment and we identified the need to add experience and a pack leader who can bring leadership and raise those around him if they write player becomes available. Liam fits that profile perfectly, having played Super League just a few months ago.
“He’s in great condition, he can play big minutes and is very good with the ball in hand. His offload game can be dangerous, and with his size and frame he’ll have a real impact for us.
“He’s a different type of forward to what we already have and that will really complement our pack. We’re excited to have him onboard and to see him make his mark this season.”
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