Hull FC fans disagree on Liam Watts ‘signing’ but majority make same point

Rugby league and Hull FC fans react as the club is reported to be bringing in another forward but he’s a familiar face to fans.

Following his departure from Castleford Tigers last week, All Out Rugby League have reported that Liam Watts will be returning to the Black and Whites on a deal until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old spent five and half years at Hull from June 2012 to the end of the 2017 season, making 152 appearances in that spell.

During his time at Castleford, he’s made 148 appearances but it seems that following discussions with head coach Danny McGuire, Watts was able to find another club.

McGuire was under the impression that Watts would be going part-time with a Championship club after he was unable to train as much as the Tigers boss wanted him to but sent him well wishes for wherever he ended up.

With Ligi Sao missing for the season, it looks like the Airlie Birds are looking to bolster their pack with some extra bodies.

Liam Knight has joined them from the NRL and they’ve also acquired Sam Eseh on a season-long loan from Wigan Warriors, following a four-game loan spell in 2024 with the club.

Both players should be ready for Hull’s Thursday night match against Leigh Leopards but it’s unclear if Watts will be available.

Watts is due for Hull FC training today (Monday) so fans will await an official announcement from the club.

Here’s the best of the reaction from our Facebook page and elsewhere on social media.

Rugby League and Hull FC fans react to reported new signing

Ade Hodgson: Not ideal but desperate for some size, with Watts, Cartwright, Ashworth and Knight. If fit, we can definitely get some hard yards but long-term planning is absolutely essential.

Keith Milner: Good move short term, FC need some grunt in the middle this season!

Steve Buckley: Experience, size and power, just a short-term contract.

Andy Moore: Good deal. Gives us some short-term squad depth and experience. We usually have a forward missing every week through injury so a no-brainer. Our younger forwards aren’t quite ready for SL, so a deal for 2025 makes sense.

Keith Cater: Not going to knock him before he’s put the shirt on. If he’s half as good as in his first stint with the club, he could be a good signing.

@ScrivHull: Good business this, a short-term deal. He’s got experience to pass on to the younger lads. Welcome back, big guy.

@lordcabbagemk2: Not a signing I would’ve made, but everyone can see we need some more size upfront.