Hull FC release three first-team players with immediate effect

Hull FC have confirmed the immediate releases of Liam Tindall, Jack Walker and Morgan Smith. The trio have all been released from the remainder of their contracts with the Black and Whites in order to pursue deals elsewhere.

It is understood that all three players were told that they weren’t to be part of John Cartwright’s plans at the MKM Stadium prior to the start of pre-season after struggling to impress in their first years with the club, with Tindall, Walker and Smith joining ahead of the 2024. They have now been released, giving them plenty of time to find new clubs ahead of the 2025 campaign.

It is thought that none of the players have deals agreed elsewhere at this moment in time, but with pre-season campaigns getting underway, they’ll be pushing to find a new home soon. The decision moves to further underline just how poor the club’s recruitment was leading into the 2024 season, with the trio joining Jayden Okunbor, Franklin Pele and Fa’amanu Brown, Damel Diakhate in leaving the club.

It means that of the nine men the Black and Whites signed ahead of their disastrous 2024 campaign, only Jack Ashworth and Herman Ese’ese remain with the club.

Of the trio, Smith was the player who featured the most, with the playmaker featuring 26 times. Walker made 20 senior appearances in the spine while Tindall struggled to make an impact, with the winger playing on just three occasions.

The Black and Whites are on the lookout for new recruits and removing the three players from their wage bill gives them more room to add the quality they need to their first-team squad.

A statement released on the club website read: “Hull FC can confirm that Liam Tindall, Morgan Smith and Jack Walker have all departed the club with immediate effect.

“The trio, all of whom joined the club at the start of the 2024 season, have been released from the remainder of their contracts to pursue opportunities elsewhere in Rugby League.

“Smith made 26 appearances for the club last season, while Tindall ran out three times; Walker, who also had a loan spell at the club in 2022, made 20 senior appearances.

“The club wishes all three players the very best of luck for their futures in the sport and beyond.”