It’s been a while, but Hull FC are finally back in action this Sunday afternoon.
New Hull FC signing Arthur Romano in pre-season training. (Image: )
Hull FC began pre-season training over 80 days ago. On Sunday, they are finally back in action for the first time of 2026. Huddersfield Giants await, with the Black and Whites taking on fellow Super League opposition at Brantingham Park for Brad Fash’s testimonial game.
Naming a 23-man squad, it’s an early opportunity for players to lay down a marker, especially with places up for grabs and competition intense. But above all else, it’s a chance to blow off the cobwebs and get the rustiness out of their game with minutes put into the tank and plays from the training ground put into practise. The pre-season clichés are out in full force.
On that front, Simon Grix has told Hull Live that the coaching staff will be looking at the detail behind their ball movement and transitions from attack to defence, particularly how they get from point A to B and how they finish their sets. It’s a chance to get it all flowing, with the competitive season now just two weeks away.
The new faces
Hull are fielding four new signings against the Giants, from Connor Bailey, Harvie Hill, Sam Lisone, and Arthur Romano. The Frenchman could be one to watch this year, with a battle for two centre spots heating up. Arriving from Catalans, he’s understood to have really hit the ground running this pre-season and this is his first opportunity to show what he’s all about. Similarly, Bailey will look to show what he can bring, from his back row sternness to his versatility in other positions, while Lisone and Hill will add some size and punch to a Giants pack featuring the likes of George Burgess, Matty English, George King, and Fenton Rogers. There’s a bit to look out for here.
The youth
Both sides have named a lot of young players for the game, with Hull set to run with the likes of Callum Kemp, Lloyd Kemp, and Will Hutchinson, three key components of Sunday’s spine – and especially with the new play-the-ball rules on show. In short, any infringement to slow down the ruck will be strictly penalised this year with a quicker game expected. It’ll be interesting to see how Hutchinson exploits that from dummy half and how the rest of the side follow suit both in attack and defence. Elsewhere, Hull will run with the likes of Matty Laidlaw, Will Kirby, and Joe Ward, while younger starlets like Rio Kassim, Jon Turner, and Caleb Paleaasina will also get a shot.
The main man
Sunday is about recognising the services of the club’s longest serving player. Debuting in 2015, Fash has made nearly 200 appearances for the club and is about as Hull through and through as it gets. He’s a true black and white and has never fallen short in giving anything less than 100% in his time at the club. He’s certainly a player appreciated by his teammates, as first-team centre Davy Litten told Hull Live this month.
“He’s definitely done his bit,” Litten said. “He’s a legend of a bloke is Fashy, I wouldn’t tell him that to his face, but he’s a great bloke. He’s gone through a tough time at the club, going from 2016 and 2017 and being cup winners to the past few years, it’s not been easy, and he’s copped some unfair criticism, but again, he’s a legend of a bloke.
“He’s a typical West Hull lad, he can’t even spell his name right, but he’s doing well. I think he was a bit worried when Laney left. Someone has left him every year. He was part of the Fridge Crew, him, Laney, and Browny, but he’s just soaked it all up and he’s now a very valued and experienced member of the team. He’s a person to go to when you need a bit of help. He’s a great bloke and hopefully his testimonial gets him a bit of cash.”
As for his own thoughts, Fash said on his testimonial: “I’m really proud. I’m really proud to be awarded a testimonial and I’m proud to have done 10 years at the club. Obviously, it’s my hometown club and I always wanted to play for Hull as a kid and it’s sort of a dream come true, really. I never expected it to come this far, but I’m glad it has.“
Fixture
Hull FC vs Huddersfield Giants, Brad Fash testimonial, Brantingham Park, Sunday 25 January, 2pm kick off
Squads
Hull: Yusuf Aydin, Connor Bailey, Jordon Baker, Callum Kemp, Kieran Calvert, Finlay Davies, Tyler Eccles, Brad Fash, Harvie Hill, Will Hutchinson, Rio Kassim, Will Kirby, Lloyd Kemp, Matty Laidlaw, Sam Lisone, Elliot Middlemas, Caleb Paleaaesina, Arthur Romano, Hugo Salabio, Alistair Swyer, Jon Turner, Joe Ward, Will Wilson
Huddersfield: Taane Milne, Thomas Burgess, Fenton Rogers, Matty English, George King, Joe Greenwood, Kieran Rush, Liam Sutcliffe, Mathieu Cozza, George Flanagan, Jack Billington, Connor Carr, Jacob Algar, Archie Sykes, Marshall Land, Roman Sharma, Lewis Jagger, Tom Hardy, Zach Brown, Alex Chippendale, Woody Potter, Monty Lumb