The latest Hull FC notebook.
13:19, 04 Aug 2025Updated 13:26, 04 Aug 2025
Hull FC’s Callum Kemp in action for Yorkshire. (Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC are back to work this Monday after a planned week off, with the side hosting Salford Red Devils in round 21 of Super League come Sunday afternoon. And after dropping out of the play-off places following defeat to Huddersfield, nothing less than victory will do for the Black and Whites, who sit one point behind Wakefield Trinity and the top six.
They face a Salford side who are losing players by the week again, with failure to pay the squad their pensions the club’s latest reported off-field controversy. They were hammered 74-12 by Hull KR last Thursday night and have just two league wins to their name all season.
Elsewhere, Hull remain in the recruitment market for a half-back, and after Jock Madden opted to sign for former club Wests Tigers for next year and beyond, the club have intensified their talks with other targets – the latest of which is Jake Arthur. The son of Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur, Jake’s preference, as with most overseas players, is to stay in the NRL.
However, it’s understood that Hull are in the driving seat should the player come to Super League. For now, it’s a case of watch this space, but they believe the player would fit nicely alongside Aidan Sezer next season, allowing Will Pryce to stay at full-back and Cade Cust to interlock the hooker position with Amir Bourouh.
And while Hull’s first team got out on the continent for some much-needed time off last week, many of Hull’s fringe and younger first teamers were in action at Doncaster, Hunslet, and the like – with two also on representative duty. Here is the latest notebook.
Yorkshire smash Lancashire
It was double delight for Yorkshire’s academy side on Saturday afternoon, who hammered historical rivals Lancashire 42-10 at Craven Park. Hull FC twins Callum Kemp and Lloyd Kemp both featured and were influential in Yorkshire’s victory. In fact, Callum scored the game’s final try, dummying his way over in the half-back position, while Lloyd, playing from full-back, also contributed to tries elsewhere.
The twins are highly regarded at the club, who shook off interest from Hull KR last season to sign the players to new long-term deals. Those contracts were understood to be three years, keeping them at the club until the end of the 2027 season at least. Both players have made their first-team debuts: Callum against Catalans in the final game of last season and Lloyd in the first game of this season against York Acorn.
Dual reg and loan update
Hull FC trio Logan Moy, Matty Laidlaw, and Will Gardiner all featured for Doncaster against Hunslet on Sunday afternoon. Moy started at full-back while Laidlaw turned out at loose-forward and Gardiner off the bench. The Dons ran out 34-24 winners – their fourth victory in a row.
The game also saw Will Kirby in action for Hunslet, with the back row forward continuing his recent loan spell. Elsewhere, Jack Rampton also made his senior rugby league debut after playing two games for Hull’s reserves side. He is currently on trial at the Black and Whites this summer, with John Cartwright previously airing his desire to get the player game time at a higher level.
In League 1, Hull FC edge forward Lennon Clark played for Workington Town once again. The 19-year-old started in the back row as the Cumbrian side defeated Keighley Cougars 25-22.
Reserves beaten
Hull FC reserves were edged 18-12 by Huddersfield Giants last Friday night. It was a youthful side picked by Francis Cummins, with many players playing on loan or on dual reg, not to mention for Yorkshire. Tries came from Kieran Calvert and Joe Ward, who Hull Live exclusively reported has signed a new deal at the club last month. Meanwhile, the reserves play their final game of the season against Wakefield on August 16.
Wheelchair side win
Hull FC’s wheelchair side ran out 52-34 winners over Edinburgh Giants on Saturday afternoon. The Black and Whites come from behind to claim their second Super League win of the season.
The injury front
Hull FC are hoping to welcome back John Asiata and Will Pryce to the side against Salford Red Devils. Out since May, the players have been on track throughout their rehab process and are now expected to return on Sunday. However, the club will ensure that all boxes will be ticked ahead of any planned return, leaving no stone unturned.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Ed Chamberlain will also need to be passed by a specialist to return to play. He has missed the last two games after failing a second HIA of the season. The same applies to Jordan Rapana, with the consensus being that both players will be available to take on the Red Devils. A further update will be provided later this week.