Hull FC’s move for halfback to sensationally fall through

Hull FC’s chase for a new halfback has been well documented in recent weeks – even months.

With Josh Reynolds departing the club with immediate effect almost a fortnight ago, the Black and Whites have been eyeing up potential replacements ever since.

However, one of those – Newcastle Knights playmaker Tex Hoy – will not be joining the club, according to the Newcastle Herald.

That’s because Hull boss Brett Hodgson wanted Hoy immediately, but Newcastle were unwilling to release him for that due to Kalyn Ponga’s State of Origin duties and concussion problems as well as the long-term injury to former Castleford Tigers starlet Bailey Hodgson.

As such, the Newcastle Herald has reported that Hull are now looking elsewhere for Reynolds’ replacement and that Hoy could well extend his deal beyond the end of 2022.

Knights head coach Adam O’Brien revealed in the aftermath of the club’s easy win over the Gold Coast Titans that 22-year-old Hoy will be at the club until the end of the season and that potential talks could go ahead to extend that further.

It is a kick in the teeth for Hodgson and the Black and Whites considering that they need new blood in the halfback positions and quick following a 62-16 drubbing by Leeds Rhinos on Saturday afternoon.

In that game, youngster Jacob Hookem played alongside able deputy Joe Lovodua in the halves, but they were never really allowed to get going by their rampant West Yorkshire opponents.

The good news for Hull is that there will be a specialist halfback in the side for the Hull derby against KR at the Magic Weekend this upcoming weekend at St James’ Park as Luke Gale returns from his mandatory 11-day concussion protocol following a heavy challenge in the defeat to Warrington Wolves last weekend.

With Hoy seemingly out of reach, it does ask the question where will Hull possibly look for a new halfback and quick?