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New Hull FC signing Joe Batchelor in pre-season training.(Image: Hull FC)<\/p>\nA look at Hull FC’s eight new recruits, and what we can expect from them in 2026.New Hull FC signing Joe Batchelor in pre-season training.(Image: Hull FC)<\/p>\n
Hull FC have made eight new signings for the 2026 season. From Jake Arthur to James Bell to Arthur Romano, the club prioritised their key areas to strengthen with depth and competition sought as the club look to reach the next level this year and finish in a play-off spot.<\/p>\n
But how will the new faces all fit into the 2026 squad and what can they bring to the team? Here, Hull Live takes a look.<\/p>\n
Jake Arthur – The Australian is expected to slot straight into Hull\u2019s half-back spots alongside Aidan Sezer next season, reliving some pressure off the club\u2019s skipper, both in terms of attacking shape and last tackle options with his kicking game. And with aspirations to play in the NRL once again, the 23-year-old, whose arrival allows Cade Cust to play the half-back\/hooker bench role he was originally signed for, will be looking to impress from the off. Signing a two year deal, Arthur is backing himself to hit the ground running<\/a>. By all accounts he has had a good pre-season and came to the club as one of its fittest players. He\u2019s certainly athletic, and he\u2019s a tall player as well who should hold his own on Hull\u2019s right edge.<\/p>\n Joe Batchelor – The first new recruit for 2026, the former St Helens forward signed for Hull early on last year and arrives with big expectation. A former Super League Grand Final winner with the Saints and England international, Batchelor knows what it takes to reach the very top<\/a> and is tasked to bring those ingredients to the Black and Whites squad. Renowned as a tough defender and strong line runner, the 30-year-old will be looking to make a back row spot his own and bring the necessary leadership qualities to a squad already packing its fair chunk of experience.<\/p>\n Connor Bailey – A second back row signing, the former Wakefield youth product arrives at Hull after a strong couple of seasons at York. Interestingly, he was a half-back in his youth days before transitioning into a forward and it\u2019s those qualities, mixed in with the right attitude and desire to get better, that make him one to watch. He could bring something different to the pack<\/a> and certainly adds some depth to a role that was decimated by injury last season, with a bit of flair added to what looks like a strong and varied set of forwards.<\/p>\n James Bell – Hull knew they needed a foil for John Asiata this coming season and they\u2019ve certainly got that in James Bell. A ball playing loose-forward, the Kiwi ensures that the way Hull want to play, with their attack distributed through a middle link, will never waver, allowing for variety, space, and width. It\u2019s a smart signing, with Bell already stating his eagerness to bring his own flavour to the role<\/a>. But as Asiata has already told Hull Live<\/a>, look out for both lock\u2019s playing together on the field, opening up a new dynamic with their running games also coming to the fore.<\/p>\n Harvie Hill – It says a lot that the young prop, still only 22 years old, chose Hull when they were certainly other options on the table, but Hill was sold on the vision of the club and how they can bring his own game on. Expected to be a strong component of the pack, the Cumbrian is determined to hit his straps with a strong work rate<\/a> and with a four year deal signed and sealed, he has a real chance to make his mark at the Black and Whites.<\/p>\n Sam Lisone – Everyone knows what the big prop\u2019s game is all about and it\u2019s those short explosive stints he\u2019s aiming to bring to Hull. On paper it\u2019s a good mix, with the club already boasting big minute players In Herman Ese\u2019ese and Liam Knight, to mention Harvie Hill, to facilitate it. And if Hull can nail their rotation, then Lisone can hopefully come and nail what he intends to do: create havoc in the opposition<\/a>. An exciting thought.<\/p>\n Joe Phillips – Hull tied up their final pieces of recruitment at the end of last season with Phillips signed from Goole<\/a> Vikings. A former Leeds Rhinos academy product, he’s a big lad albeit still only 19 years old and comes with a great reference from club legend Scott Taylor<\/a>. He could be one to watch when he gets his opportunity.<\/p>\n