Hull FC man gives recruitment verdict as lofty 2025 ambitions outlined

Hull FC have the right mix of experience and youth as they look to bring the good times back to the MKM Stadium. That’s according to star recruit Jordan Rapana who has hailed the club’s recruitment as they turn over a new leaf under new head coach John Cartwright.

The Black and Whites endured what can only be described as a disastrous season last time around, winning just three games all year and finishing 11th in the Super League table. However, huge changes have been made at the club over the off-season with Cartwright being joined by 10 new signings.

Rapana is one of those new faces in black and white, with the back, who has been handed the number one shirt this year, making the switch from Canberra Raiders. And, the former New Zealand international certainly sees promise in the west Hull outfit as he readies himself for a Super League bow.

“I think Carty and Richie Myler have recruited really well. Hull’s season and situation last year wasn’t ideal – they had a lot of young kids thrown in the deep end, but they’ve got that experience here with them now,” Rapana said, per the Super League website.

“We’ve got players that can steer the ship around and are mixed with the youth, meaning we should be able to compete in every game and play with that heart and passion. I think that gives us a good chance at winning a lot of games.

“In my final few years at Canberra it was my role was to be the experienced head – there were a lot of young guys coming through over there at the time.

“We’re fortunate we’ve got the likes of Aidan Sezer and Zak Hardaker here this year too. Experience is something you can’t teach and it’s only going to be more beneficial for the younger ones.”

Hull FC aren’t fancied to compete by many this year, with bookmakers offering big odds for them to just make the top six. Rapana has made no bones about his desire to win trophies this season, though, with belief high at the MKM Stadium.

“As long as we have a team that fights for 80 minutes and never gives us up, I think that’s what fans want to see – teams that compete to final whistle,” he added.

“Winning then is the icing on the cake. I’m not coming over here just to be another number. We’re here to win something – whether that be a Challenge Cup or a Super League Grand Final. That’s our ambition and goal and we’re striving towards that every day in pre-season.”