Retired Super League legend named for testimonial clash

Tony Smith has named the Hull FC squad to face Wigan Warriors in Scott Taylor’s testimonial match and the retired forward features hinting he could possibly get one final run out for his beloved club.

Taylor called time on his playing career at the end of the 2023 season with speculation over his future consuming much of the latter half of the season.

Both himself and fellow Hull FC legend Danny Houghton were coming off contract but only Houghton has continued for 2024, Tony Smith even naming him captain following Carlos Tumiavave’s surprise decision to step down from the role.

Instead, Taylor hung up the boots, calling time on his 15-year career of which he spent his final eight years with his beloved Black and Whites.

Taylor actually started his career with cross-city rivals Hull KR before a move to Wigan Warriors saw him secure his sole Super League Grand Final win.

After a loan move to Salford Red Devils, he returned to his native Hull where he was a key member of the side that won back-to-back Challenge Cups.

During his final season, he was awarded a testimonial year and this upcoming clash with Wigan Warriors will serve as his testimonial clash.

Scott Taylor set to take the field one last time for Hull FC

Tony Smith has now named his squad for that clash with Wigan, scheduled for Sunday at the MKM Stadium, and the man of the moment Taylor looks set for a cameo role on the field, something Taylor teased at the back end of the year.

It marks the club’s first friendly at the MKM Stadium since 2018 and their final run out before they open the Super League campaign with a home derby clash against Hull KR.

As such Smith has selected a strong side featuring six of the club’s new signings with four of those being their NRL imports.

Speaking to hullfc.com, Tony Smith, said: “It’s our final hit-out ahead of the start of the season so I’m keen to go in strong against a tough Wigan side.

“We’ve got plenty of positives out of the friendlies against both Bradford and Doncaster, but taking on the champions is an important final test for us before the season gets underway.

“Places in the squad for Round One are still up for grabs, so I’m hoping to see players taking the opportunity and battling for the chance to feature in the Derby.”

Absentees include signings Liam Tindall, who Smith revealed has broken his thumb, and Morgan Smith who has picked up a knee strain but should be available for round one.

Hull FC squad to face Wigan Warriors

The squad will be a strong reflection of how the Black and Whites are likely to line up against Hull KR for the Super League opener with Smith naming a very strong 22-man squad.

Nu Brown looks set to start in the halves whilst NRL trio Herman Ese’ese, Franklin Pele and Jayden Okunbor are set to start in a fearsome pack that also features vice-captain Brad Fash.

Full-back Jack Walker is back for his second spell at the club and will likely allow last year’s pre-season signing Tex Hoy to move into the halves alongside Kiwi international Brown.

The club are still waiting for long-term injury Jake Trueman to return and are obviously without last season’s star Jake Clifford who returned to the NRL after his impressive stay in Super League.

The full squad to face Wigan, Taylor’s former side, is listed below.

1 – Tex Hoy
3- Carlos Tuimavave
4 – Liam Sutcliffe
5 – Darnell McIntosh
7 – Fa’amanu Brown
8 – Herman Ese’ese
9 – Danny Houghton
10 – Franklin Pele
11 – Jayden Okunbor
12 – Ligi Sao
13 – Brad Fash
14 – Joe Cator
15 – Jordan Lane
16 – Jack Ashworth
17 – Cam Scott
20 – Jack Brown
21 – Will Gardiner
23 – Davy Litten
26 – Lewis Martin
31 – Jack Walker
40 – Jack Charles
– Scott Taylor