Hull FC have bolstered their academy ranks by signing three Welsh youth internationals, with one of them having a father who played in Super League.
The Black and Whites are one of the clubs in the top flight with a successful academy set-up, and have reaped the rewards from it, with the likes of Lewis Martin, Harvey Barron and the Kemp twins all progressing into the first team in recent years.
The club have experienced coaches in Francis Cummins, who is head coach of the academy, as well as transition coach, for players making their way from the youth teams into the first team. Danny Houghton has also signed up to be the club’s reserve head coach for 2026, so they are certainly not short of experience in that department.
As they look to continue their success of having youngsters develop into Super League, Hull have brought in three promising youngsters, all of whom have experience with Wales at international level.
Charlie Cullen-Thomas, the captain of the Welsh U18s impressed in a trial period at the club, and was even named at 18th man for the Welsh first team’s game against Ireland in October, highlighting his potential.
Joshua Harding, a former captain, comes from rugby union, but has also spent time in Warrington Wolves’ youth set-up. Hull have already seen once success story come from raiding Wire’s youth ranks, with Denive Balmforth moving to West Hull from there, too.
Will Mathers, who is the son of former Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls full-back, Richie, was a stand-out performer in Wales’ U16s Four Nations campaign earlier this year.
In what is a huge boost for rugby league in Wales, the nation’s Rugby League Performance Director, Clive Griffiths, said: “It’s great to see these young Welsh players being recognised by a top Super League club like Hull FC.
“This is exactly the kind of pathway we want to build; one that connects our developing players with professional environments while allowing them to continue their education and personal growth.”
Meanwhile, Cummins added: “We’re really proud to welcome Charlie, Joshua, and William into our Academy programme. Their talent, attitude, and passion for the game are clear, and they represent the exciting potential within the Wales Rugby League system.”
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