Luke Gale leaves Hull FC

First-team players Luke Gale, Jordan Johnstone, Marcus Walker, and Aidan Burrell will all depart Hull FC.

Captain Gale has played one season for the Airlie Birds having joined the club ahead of the current campaign, while Johnstone has made 55 club appearances since signing ahead of the 2020 season.

Young pair Marcus Walker and Aidan Burrell both depart having made one appearance each in 2021.

The quartet will join Manu Ma’u in departing the club, who was announced to be joining Catalans Dragons for the 2023 campaign in July.

Meanwhile, utility-man Will Smith will return to Australia after joining the club on a short-term deal in July.

Hull released this statement: “The Black & Whites would like to thank all the players for their service to the club and wish them and their families the very best in their future endeavours.

“Supporters will have the chance to show their appreciation for the departing players after tomorrow’s match against Hull KR with a short presentation to take place after the full-time hooter.

“The club would also like to place on record their thanks to Josh Bowden and Josh Reynolds who left the club earlier this season, as well as thanking loan signings Jack Walker, Ellis Longstaff and Josh Simm for their contribution this season.”

It remains to be seen where those first-team players will be heading after exiting, but it is certainly a time of transition for the Black and Whites as they head into the 2023 Super League season with a brand-new spine.

Newcastle Knights star Tex Hoy, Castleford Tigers halfback Jake Trueman and Leeds Rhinos pair Liam Sutcliffe and Brad Dwyer have all signed on the dotted line for next season and beyond.

There is no doubt that the Black and Whites need rejuvenating and Brett Hodgson is certainly doing his best to do just that.