Ex-Hull FC man Jack Walker lifts lid on life without a club amid ‘mental challenge’

Jack Walker, released from Hull FC following the 2024 Super League season, has provided an insight into life without a club.

The full-back’s departure was confirmed in a statement by the club on Wednesday morning, which also confirmed the departures of Liam Tindall and Morgan Smith.

He made 14 appearances for the club in 2024, with some of those coming in the halves. However, young Logan Moy’s development would already have pushed him down the pecking order at the MKM Stadium, and the signing of winger Jordan Rapana – who can also play full-back – didn’t help his cause.

His professional debut saw him score a hat-trick of tries in the Challenge Cup against Doncaster, and that season culminated in starting at full-back for Leeds Rhinos’ Super League Grand Final victory at the age of just 18.

However, he wasn’t able to reach the dizzying heights that were predicted of him, and after swapping Hull KR for Hull FC ahead of 2024, he’s now looking for a fourth permanent home in four seasons.

Released Super League man reveals “mental challenge” being without a club

This week, Walker shared a vlog on YouTube, detailing the busy schedule of work that he is putting in currently, including being at the gym until 9:30pm.

Within the video, he says, while at the gym: “With not training anymore with a club, the challenge, physically and mentally, is to do what is needed when you don’t have to go in.

“When you’re training, you have to go in. You have to do your gym sessions, your bronco tests, because it’s your job.

“Not having a job now… you’ve got to do it off your own back, which is a mental challenge when you haven’t got anyone with you really. It’s just you on your own.

“It will be a nice little mental challenge, which can only make me stronger really. I’m looking forward to it.”