Hull FC’s Luke Gale and where his Super League future could lie

Luke Gale’s future continues to be one of the biggest questions faced by Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson ahead of the 2023 Super League season.

Though an experienced halfback, the former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers man has not been on the field as much as he would have liked during the 2022 season through suspension.

And, with the signings of Tex Hoy from the Newcastle Knights and Jake Trueman from the Castleford Tigers as well as the potential re-signing of Will Smith, it remains to be seen where Gale fits into that equation.

With those three able to play in the halves to a brilliant ability, Gale is seemingly left on the periphery. Add into the mix the progression of young half Ben McNamara and the near future looks increasingly uncertain for Gale.

There had been speculation from his own agent when the one-year deal was signed before the 2022 season kicked off that the halfback could join the FC coaching staff, whilst there have been murmurings that Gale would even link up with Wakefield Trinity.

Since then, however, nothing further has been thrown up in regards to the 34-year-old’s future, but will he fit into Hodgson’s plans?

It’s unlikely that the Leeds Rhinos academy graduate would play a major role in 2023 even if he stayed at the MKM Stadium given the recruitment of young, vibrant stars.

And, it’s been the policy of Hull in recent months to recruit those who are younger, with 27 being the oldest age (Liam Sutcliffe) which Hodgson has been willing to bring in so far.

Of course, alongside Gale there are a number of players who are on the wrong side of 30 such as Josh Griffin, Danny Houghton (who remains out of contract at the end of 2022) and Carlos Tuimavave with chairman Adam Pearson calling on a new direction of recruitment as Hodgson tinkers with his side for next year.

Will Gale still be at the MKM Stadium in some capacity in 2023? It doesn’t appear too likely in terms of a playing sense.