The young Hull FC hooker on new ruck rules, his pre-season, and 2026 goals.
05:00, 22 Jan 2026Updated 09:32, 22 Jan 2026
Hull FC hooker Will Hutchinson. (Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC’s Will Hutchinson is stepping into the 2026 season with an extra incentive.
New play-the-ball rules have descended on Super League this year, with the general consensus being that rucks will be cleaner, paving the way for a faster game. For hookers, the new rules are most welcome, with more opportunities to jump out of the ruck and attack.
And for a young dummy half who bases his game off his eye for a gap and ability to get out and run with the ball, it’s an exciting thought. Buoyed by what’s to come, the teenager is named in Hull’s 23-man squad to take on Huddersfield Giants in Brad Fash’s testimonial match this Sunday afternoon and is hoping to turn the new interpretations to his advantage.
“I’ve been watching some of the other pre-season games and the speed of the ruck is faster than I’ve ever seen it,” Hutchinson, speaking to Hull Live, said. “You get to the floor and no-one can touch you anymore; you get straight back up, and if the markers aren’t set, you’re off.
“Last year I went a bit away from that. I was focused more on the defensive side of the game, but I feel that my defence has improved massively so hopefully I can put it all together and my running game will be back at its best again this year.
“There are going to be so many opportunities. A lot of the game on Sunday, and in the early part of the season with the conditions, will be getting your middles working around the ruck and if you get fast play of the balls, then you’re off. If the referees stick with the speed of the ruck throughout the year, it will do a lot for the game.”
Set for his run out since last August, there’s also a sense of relief for the former Skirlaugh junior after a tough pre-season following some complex ankle issues.
Rupturing ankle ligaments while playing on loan at Hunslet last year, Hutchinson, competing this year with Amir Bourouh and Cade Cust for the hooker spot, went under the knife soon after, getting through his rehab this winter. That has meant that a lot of his off-season has been recovery-based, but now he’s over it all and ready to go.
“I can’t wait to play a game of rugby again,” Hutchinson continued. “It’s been a while. I haven’t played since I went out on loan at Hunslet and did my ankle in.
“It’s been quite tough. I’ve had some problems over the off-season with it, so when I came back into training, I wasn’t at full strength or where I wanted to be. I was out of training for a bit and doing as much rehab as I could to get it as strong as possible.
“I was in and out and I felt like I went back to the beginning, but I’ve had a consistent run now in the new year on the field. I like to think I’m heading in the right direction. I just need to get my fitness up now. I’ve put quite a lot of weight on while I’ve been off, which I needed. I just needed to get bigger in general, really. It just helps with your defence.
“That’s the positive thing I’m looking at. I’m not as fit as I’d like to be, but hopefully I can get some minutes in, keep training, and I’ll get that back.”
Aiming to impress, Hutchinson won’t be short for company on Sunday, with two big new signings in Harvie Hill and Sam Lisone also named in the side.
“They get you on the front foot, don’t they, and I think those two definitely will do that without question,” Hutchinson said. “They’ve been unreal in pre-season. They’re great lads and they’re big bodies.
“I’m sure they’ll be able to get the ruck flowing. They’ve brought some good size into the team, which I think we needed, and it will help us this year.”
As for his own motives this year, Hutchinson is clear. Debuting in the Challenge Cup, the hooker featured against Wigan and finished his debut year with four senior appearances.
“My aim now is to get more games and take my opportunities,” Hutchinson said. “I feel like last year, when my opportunities came about, I could have done more, especially in attack.
“I need to be more of a threat. I’m hoping to get a decent amount of first-team minutes in now and actually help the team when I come on, get us flowing, and have a voice as well on the pitch, taking control of my middles and being more confident when I come on. That’s my aim and then hopefully that puts me in good stead for next year and the year after.
“I’d love to be here for the rest of my playing career – there’s nowhere else I’d want to be. I’ve got my goals that I want to achieve over the next few years so that’s what I’m working towards.
“I just want to put my foot in the door and get in as regularly as I can and give Carty, Grixy and Lasty something to think about. That’s my aim for the year: to try and impress and then get as many games in as I can.”