Hull FC legend Danny Houghton has announced his decision to call time on his career at the end of the 2024 Super League season. Houghton has spent 18 seasons at the top of the game but next month will be his last as a player with the hooker set to say an emotional farewell.
A one club man, the 35-year-old is expected to make his 450th appearance for the Black and Whites on Saturday when Simon Grix’s side take on Castleford Tigers in Super League. Such a tally is enough to put him fourth in the club’s list of all-time appearance makers and should he make three more appearances for his beloved club this season, he might even surpass Harold Bowman (451) to claim third spot before hanging up his boots.
Houghton made his senior debut for FC back in 2007 after progressing through the club’s youth ranks and after a Challenge Cup final defeat in 2013, he managed to get his hands on the famous trophy twice in 2016 and 2017, with his tackle on Ben Currie in the former being match defining.
The Hull lad won the Man of Steel award in 2016 and the Super League Hit Man award on six separate occasions, with his last coming in 2022. Houghton spent four seasons as captain of the club between 2018 and 2021 before being handed the honour once more this time around for his final season in the game.
“I feel prepared for this,” Houghton told Hull FC ‘s official site. “But it’s a sad moment to bring to an end something I’ve been doing for the past 18 years, over half my life. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world, I’ve had a great ride – I’ve seen some great highs, and some lows too, but I’ve got no regrets whatsoever and I’m happy with what I have achieved in my career.
“I’ve been discussing it with my family for a while. Obviously it was discussed last season, but we thought it was the right thing to do to have one last go at it and go out on my terms. I’ve loved every moment – even this season which has been really tough. You have to have those tough moments to allow you to appreciate those highs.
“At this moment in time, my body’s telling me it is time. And now I know it’s coming to an end, my body sort of knows that too – I’ve had a few niggling injuries this season, and I’ve always said, if I can’t give 100% to this club, I wouldn’t want to do it anymore. So it is the right time now.
“As a kid, coming through the junior ranks, it felt like one game would have been enough, and that’s your dream complete. But then it turns into a bit of a whirlwind. And then before you know it, you’re coming to the end of the road.”
On his next step, Houghton said: “I spoke to Yeamo (Kirk Yeaman), Washy (Danny Washbrook), Tag (Scott Taylor) and Shaully (Jamie Shaul) about retirement – they encouraged me not to fear what comes after finishing playing. I have my business on the side. There’s always a bit of fear but they’ve encouraged me to embrace it and attack it like I have my career. And I will do that.”
Hull FC owner and chairman Adam Pearson paid tribute to the hooker that has been a mainstay during his time at the club: “Danny is nothing short of a living legend in west Hull, and the respect he has gained across rugby league is testament to the incredible contribution he has brought to the sport.
“His commitment, dedication and passion for this club over the past two decades has been unwavering, from joining us as a young man in the mid 2000s, to departing us as one of our leading appearance-makers of all-time – all of those elements are epitomized by that iconic tackle at Wembley some eight years ago which made so many dreams become reality – he is truly immortal in Hull FC terms.
“For those of us who have been fortunate to have worked alongside him, Danny is an example of a true clubman who is proud to represent his club both on and off the field.
“His desire and strength of character has seen him consistently perform at the top of his game for over a decade-and-a-half, showing some incredible longevity and an unwavering drive to be the best competitor he could possibly be.
“I’ve had the fortune of overseeing his journey with us for the past 13 years, and I know I speak for our whole club when I say we will miss his contribution dearly.
“On behalf of the staff, players, partners and supporters of the club, I would like to congratulate Danny on an incredible career, and thank him wholeheartedly for his contribution to the club. We wish him the very best for his next chapter, and we look forward to his future involvement with the club in capacities away from the playing field.”
