Hull FC will run with some part-time players once again in 2026.
05:00, 30 Nov 2025Updated 08:39, 30 Nov 2025
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Hull FC’s senior rugby league setup doesn’t just equate to the 36 players given first-team squad numbers for the 2026 season, with the club set to field part-time players in their reserve grade line-up next year.
The likes of Will Wilson, Elliot Middlemas, and Jordan Baker are all on such deals and will all feature for the second-string outfit, now coached by club legend Danny Houghton.
Meanwhile, the reserve competition is expected to be around 12 rounds long once again in 2026, with all 12 English sides in Super League involved. However, Hull Live understands there is a growing hope within rugby league circles to get a more substantial reserves competition underway in 2027.
Some clubs, Hull FC being one, have held such desires for over a decade, but it is understood that a fuller league will be operated the year after next, mirrored as much as possible to the Super League fixture list.
Obviously, financial aspects have been used as an excuse for clubs not to run with reserves, or at least thorough reserves, in the past, but it’s hoped more development partnerships – part of the grading criteria on IMG – can be helped to bolster numbers, alongside part-time players to develop and nurture more players into Super League.
As well as North Lincolnshire, which is targeting junior players, Hull have also bolstered their playing options with a development partnership with the University of Hull. The reserves train alongside the university’s rugby league team and could even feature for the Black and Whites at that level next season, creating new pathways and a post-playing option for those who have graduated out of the academy and are in full-time education.
Meanwhile, Hull’s reserve games are hoped to be played the day after the first-team as much as possible next year, allowing as many senior players as possible the chance to feature, including the 18th and 19th men from Super League clashes. This obviously maximises game time and exposure for those who need it and also, with more senior players also set to be involved when not in the first team, increases the quality of games and ensures the maximum chance for development.
As for Hull’s reserves side, the club’s part-time players could be joined by the likes of Roman Dawson, Ben Johnson, and Lennon Clark, who all received first-team squad numbers for the 2026 season but are yet to make their first-team debuts. Similarly, the likes of Ryan Westerman, Will Kirby, and Joe Ward will be looking to impress alongside fellow young guns Logan Moy, Matty Laidlaw, Will Hutchinson, Callum Kemp, Lloyd Kemp and co.