Changes are coming at Hull FC, both on and off the field.
12:33, 26 Jul 2026Updated 12:40, 26 Jul 2026
Hull FC’s Will Pryce after kicking a drop goal to give his side the lead over Bradford.(Image: SW PIX)
One word synonymous with Hull FC in recent years is ‘change’, and 2027 promises to be no different.
Overseeing that change is Steve McNamara, who will arrive in November on a four-year deal as the Black and Whites’ new head coach. But what is set to change, and what areas of the squad are Hull looking to strengthen? Here Hull Live takes a look.
The importance of backroom appointments
The most important thing for Hull next season is to get their best players on the field week in week out. Ultimately, it’s something they have failed to do for the last few years and something that has to change in 2027. Availability needs to become Hull’s biggest strength, with unwanted injury tolls a thing of the past.
Naturally, given the brutality of rugby league, injuries are part and parcel of the game, but there are ways to prevent them and that’s what McNamara and co. have prioritised thus far. The appointments don’t lie. They have brought in Scott Taylor, a club legend who knows what club standards entail, but underneath that, it’s the backroom appointments which could be as savvy as anything Hull recruit to the club next year. They have acquired Jimmy McDaniel, a highly thought-of conditioner who has previously worked at Hull KR, and physiotherapists Nathan Mill from St Helens and David Ferguson from Leeds Rhinos – a former club employee.
Their roles will be huge. Getting the pre-season right with a thorough and robust programme is so important. It’s something Hull didn’t have ahead of 2026, and it shows. Hull have looked lethargic for most of the season and, especially early on this season, struggled to adapt to the pace of games. That won’t be the case next year. Hull will be fit, well conditioned, and raring to go.
The hope, as aforementioned, is that it will get Hull ready for the demands of a Super League season with their best players on the field. The likes of Will Pryce and John Asiata are two names that spring to mind given their long-term injuries. They need to be on field, with the club improving their facilities at the University of Hull to give themselves the best chance of making aspiration a reality next year.
Will Pryce to six
There’s a growing understanding that Will Pryce will be moved from full-back to six next season. The 23-year-old is Hull’s most talented player, with the move expected to see the maverick get on the ball more and impact games. This change also limits the distance he needs to run as a full-back, which could be beneficial for him given his previous foot and ACL issues.
Obviously, he will have to step up defensively, but that shouldn’t be an issue. Pryce placed a big emphasis on his defence prior to 2026 and is determined to come back with a strong all-round game. Attack-wise, it’s fair to suggest he will still pop up on both sides of the field, with Hull playing through John Asiata or James Bell and their leading half. It’s a role the Bradfordian has played before and one he looks likely to do again.
The rest of Hull’s spine
Jake Arthur is expected to be backed as Hull’s seven next year alongside Pryce, with new signing Bailey Hodgson at full-back. Arthur’s best performances this year have come as the dominant half and at 23 years old, he still has time to develop into the player Hull want him to be.
At hooker, Alrix Da Costa has been signed from Catalans and could get the nod as Hull’s starting nine. However, the understanding is the club are looking to recruit another spine player, one that can ideally play one or two positions and ensure there are options to go at.
Ruthless decisions on the way
Hull seemingly have to make room on the salary cap to bring in players and that has seen plenty of reports emerge, with multiple outlets suggesting Aidan Sezer is set to leave the club at the end of the year, with York Knights in for the half-back. Elsewhere, Cade Cust has reportedly been offered to Super League clubs, while Amir Bourouh is openly wanted by Catalans. Ed Chamberlain is also expected to make his loan move to Bradford Bulls permanent, while Denive Balmforth is equally wanted by York next year. That’s a fair chunk of cap space, with decisions on out-of-contract players still to come.
As it stands, Yusuf Aydin, Tom Briscoe (one-year club option), Lennon Clark, Roman Dawson, Brad Fash, Ben Johnson, Hugo Salabio, and Ligi Sao are all out of contract. Clark is understood to have been offered a deal, with some calls to come in the coming weeks.
What signings could come in?
The understanding is Hull are interested in an aforementioned spine player, an outside back, and a forward or two. They have acquired Ethan O’Neill to play back row, with Joe Batchelor impressing for the last couple of months. Zak Hardaker’s future may also be in the back row, while Hull have Lennon Clark in reserve and Will Kirby, who impressed before a cruel ACL injury.
It’s no surprise to see the middle as an area of interest. Hull lost Liam Knight at the start of the year and he was never replaced. He played huge minutes and offered Hull a steely presence they have lacked at times. A similar player is expected to be brought in, with mobility seemingly key. The game now is evolving; it’s quicker, faster, and built for the mobile forward.
The interest in an outside back is no secret, with Hull holding talks with Suliasi Vunivalu earlier this month. Those talks were serious but both parties have not come to an agreement. Hull have since moved for Catalans centre Solomona Faataape, a potential swap deal with Amir Bourouh. The deal is by no means close to completion but is something in the works.
It shows Hull’s desire to bring in a top-class centre, too, with Davy Litten and Arthur Romano on the books. On the wing, Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin signed long-term deals earlier this year and will be backed to return to top form once again, with the additions in the right areas hoped to add the necessary steel and strike to move Hull forward again under McNamara next year.