Dublin deal still in works, reserves play trialist – the latest Hull FC notebook.
12:17, 27 Jul 2026Updated 12:29, 27 Jul 2026
Hull FC haven’t ruled out a trip to Dublin next year, while there were some interesting names in the club’s reserves side over the weekend. Here is the latest notebook.
Dublin deal is still in the works
Hull FC’s deal to play in Dublin next year is not dead in the water just yet. The Black and Whites have been negotiating a deal to join Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, who are expected to clash in the Irish capital next season with Wakefield Trinity as the opposition, but so far have not been able to finalise the deal.
There has been a report that the game is off and Hull won’t be heading across the Irish Sea next April. However, while Hull Live understands the deal has been stalled at the Wakefield end, who have expressed an interest to play in Las Vegas in 2028, Hull are known to be looking at all options, and they have not ruled out playing another Super League club at the home of Leinster rugby union – the RDS Arena, which has recently been renovated with a new grandstand built. Talks remain ongoing and right now, it’s a case of watch this space.
Faataape picks up knock
Hull FC target Solomana Faataape came off in Catalans Dragons’ victory over Toulouse Olympique at the weekend with a hamstring complaint.
Faataape could be part of a swap deal involving Amir Bourouh, with former Hull and current Catalans coach John Cartwright recently airing his desire to get the deal done.
The Dragons centre has been an explosive threat in Super League this season and would offer Hull exactly what they need in that position. He is the latest outside back linked with the club after talks to sign Suliasi Vunivalu fell through.
Elsewhere, Hull are thought to be targeting a spine player and some middle forwards, with some outgoing and even under-contract players also set to be let go to facilitate some moves.
Trialist plays for reserves
There were a handful of interesting names on the Hull FC Reserves team sheet for the match against Wigan Warriors on Saturday afternoon. Lewis Martin was one, with the winger playing at second-string level for the first time in three years, having not been selected for Thursday’s derby against Hull KR.
Elsewhere, Josh Ratuvou lined up in the centres. The young outside back featured in the Hull KR academy a couple of years ago and has also played locally for Hull Rugby Union.
Another ex-Robin has featured for Hull’s reserves throughout the year in George Lauer. The back rower has also spent time playing for Lezignan in France and is one player seeing the benefits of the club’s partnership with the University of Hull – with Jack Smith, Eddie Nolan, and Henry Watkinson, too, featuring for Hull via the programme.
There was also a trialist named on the bench. However, Hull Live has been told that the club has been advised by the RFL not to advertise the player’s name publicly.
As for the match, Hull lost 28-26, with Wigan snatching victory with the last play of the game through Dayon Sambou. The Black and Whites led 20-12 at half-time. Lauer scored a brace of tries, with Watkinson, Elliot Middlemas, and Will Wilson all crossing over. Lloyd Kemp kicked three goals.
Batch 200
Joe Batchelor made his 200th career appearance against Hull KR on Thursday night, scoring the game’s first try. The back rower has played in Hull’s last 11 games and has brought some steel to the right edge with a sequence of solid performances. He has five tries in 15 games this season.
“Batch is playing well – credit to him,” interim head coach Andy Last said. “That was his 200th career appearance – a milestone match. It was great that he got the first try; it’s just a shame he’s not the successful brother in this derby and their kid will be gloating at the Sunday lunch table. I’m pleased with Batch, though; he’s contributed a lot to our season so far.”
Lennon Clark surprise
Another back rower recently getting his shot at Hull FC is Lennon Clark. The 20-year-old has now featured five times this year, appearing in the last four games, two coming in derbies. He scored his first Super League try against Leigh – leaping highest to take a Jake Arthur cross-field kick – a play that even took his teammates by surprise.
Yeah, I was shocked really, just because I’ve never seen him jump up for a ball like that,” Davy Litten joked. “But no, he deserves it. He works really hard and goes about his business in the right way.
“And he’s been a fan since he was a little kid, so I’m sure that try was a great memory, which he can look back on at the end of his career. I remember when I scored my first try; I was buzzing, so, yeah, I’m sure he was the same.”
Reminded of that first try, also against the Leopards back in 2023, Litten added: “Yeah, it was home against Leigh. I dived over in the corner like an idiot. It gets remembered for the wrong reasons, I think.”
Hull Live has previously reported Clark has been offered a new deal at Hull. He is one of several players still out of contract at the end of the year.