How Hull FC could look in round one of Super League following takeover confirmation

A Hull FC takeover deal was announced on Wednesday afternoon, with Adam Pearson set to relinquish control of the Black and Whites. Pearson has owned Hull for 13 years, but an agreement is now in place for him to hand over the reins in the coming weeks.

Andrew Thirkill and David Hood OBE are the buyers, with the pair having ambitions to take the club back towards the upper echelons of Super League. Thirkill communicated as much at Wednesday night’s fans’ forum, insisting the plan was to invest heavily in the squad to give John Cartwright the tools he needs to get the job done.

Director of rugby Richie Myler also confirmed that the club are in the market for new players, with a prop forward at the top of their shopping list at present.

With the takeover in mind, we take a look at how Hull FC could look on round one when the new Super League season gets underway.

Full-back: Jordan Rapana

Rapana had the opportunity to stay with Canberra Raiders for the 2025 season but instead he has taken up a deal to join the Black and Whites. He’ll provide a senior head at full-back with his experience and knowhow set to play a pivotal role for Cartwright’s side.
Rapana may be 35, but he was still competing at a high level Down Under this year and the club have high hopes for him.

Outside backs: Lewis Martin, Ed Chamberlain, Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe

In Briscoe and Hardaker, Hull have two outside backs that are just about as experienced as they come. The pair have won it all and know what it takes to reach the heights that Hull want to get to. As such, their experience will be pivotal, especially with such young and promising players beneath them in the pecking order.

Martin looks set to play another important role next season after catching the eye in 2024, while Chamberlain looks likely to play centre.

Half-backs: Jordan Abdull, Aidan Sezer

The hope is that these two can build up a strong understanding and with the experience they both have, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t. Both are capable of controlling games, while Abdull’s kicking game is a particular strength. The addition of Sezer wasn’t the most popular decision when it was announced, but the Australian has worked with Cartwright before and the head coach knows how to get the best out of him.

Front row: Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Ligi Sao

Cartwright will be happy with his starting front-row at present, with Ese’ese and Sao providing power, strength and tenacity, while Bourouh will look to provide a livewire presence around the ruck.

Second row: Jordan Lane, Jed Cartwright

Lane was arguably one of Hull’s best last season as he rediscovered form in the back-row and he’ll surely have a big part to play in the head coach’s plans moving forward. Cartwright joined the club last season but struggled for traction with injuries seeing him miss huge chunks of game time. He’ll feel as though he has a point to prove then as the 2025 season moves closer.

Loose-forward: John Asiata

One of Hull’s marquee men, Asiata is a leading candidate for the Black and Whites’ captaincy next season having held the role during his time with Leigh Leopards. He’s arrived at the MKM Stadium at the peak of his powers and he’ll be keen to make a swift impact.

Bench: Jack Ashworth, Brad Fash, Oliver Holmes, Cade Cust.

Fash isn’t fit at present, but if he can shake off that issue, he could be ready for round one, while Ashworth is another who will be determined to find some traction after struggling with injuries last season. Holmes arrives to provide Hull FC back-row depth while Cust can cover at hooker and half-back.