Hull FC have a plan in place.
14:17, 23 Dec 2025Updated 21:09, 23 Dec 2025
Hull FC Chief Executive Richie Myler.(Image: Hull FC)
Hull FC’s 2027 recruitment drive is up and running. Truth be told, it never stopped, with both recruitment and retention a genuine 365-day affair.
As hinted at in the summer, there is one area in mind, the centre spot, with the club identifying the position as an area of attention for the season after next. And while plenty of options will be on the radar as always, Umyla Hanley has emerged as a target.
Multiple sources have indicated Hanley is being sought after by the Black and Whites, who, as always in a saturated market, will have plenty of competition to try and land the player.
That competition is arguably none more so than from his current club, Leigh. The Leythers, with some big names out of contract, are expecting to feel the pinch of the salary cap again this season but they are understood to be keen to retain Hanley – who they have developed into a Dream Team centre over the last three years – and will be confident of doing so.
Hull face a battle to lure Hanley to East Yorkshire but will equally be confident of producing a competitive offer to land what would be a solid start to recruitment – one that would cement further depth and competition to a centre contingent already containing Davy Litten, Arthur Romano, and Ryan Westerman, not to mention Zak Hardaker, who has made no secret to Hull Live of his desire to go around again in 2027 and beyond.
Tying up Hanley, an English talent, would also allow Hull to look at overseas spots in other areas. What they may be is to be determined, but with Ligi Sao, Liam Knight, and Jed Cartwright all out of contract come the end of the 2026 season, it would give the club options – and that’s always welcome.