Hull FC head into 2026 far more hopeful than they entered 2025, given just how poor their 2024 season was. Their first year under John Cartwright was a huge step forwards but they’ll still have some 2026 wishes that need to come true if they’re to kick on again.
After winning just three games in 2024, Hull FC kicked on and narrowly missed the top six last season but they’re still without a top six finish since the shortened 2020 season.
What’s worse for them was the fact that rivals Hull KR ended their trophy drought in fashion, winning the treble in 2025 and that’s sure to encourage John Cartwright’s side for some success of their own.
In the 10th anniversary year of their 2016 Challenge Cup win, we’ve picked out five things that the Black and Whites will be hopeful for in 2026, three of which could contribute to their ultimate goal of returning to the Super League play-offs.
What can Hull FC wish for in 2026
A win over Hull KR
The next Hull derby will be the 250th and it will either come in round four of the Challenge Cup or on Good Friday when the sides meet in Super League. The overall record currently stands in the Black and Whites’ favour with a total of 124 wins, however, they have not won one since 2023.
Only once has Willie Peters lost to Hull FC with the Robins winning the last six meetings between the old rivals. Whilst it may mean little in the course of the entire season, there are few things that a Hull FC fan will wish for more in 2026.
Injury luck
One thing that Hull FC might be due is some injury luck with it their injury list really impacting them at the end of the season with the likes of John Asiata and Will Pryce being star men to miss out.
Forward Ligi Sao missed almost all of the season whilst Liam Knight and Jed Cartwright struggled throughout as well. If Hull FC can finally get some luck with injuries then they might be able to make their charge for the top six.
Will Pryce to step into elite category
After returning from the NRL, Will Pryce showed glimpses of what he can do for Hull FC but he needs to start doing it consistently if the Black and Whites are to kick on.
There are reasons to believe he can do that as well given he will have a full pre-season at the club and has a settled spine now after Jake Arthur’s addition.
Home form to improve
One thing that hampered the Black and Whites last year was their below-par home form with Hull FC winning just four of their 13 home games, whilst drawing another. Only three teams had worse records at home and they all finished in the bottom three of Super League.
If they can make the MKM a fortress then they’ll go a long way to picking up the required points to fulfill their major goal.
Make the play-offs
That major goal, outside of silverware, is to first actually make the top six. That’s something they’ve not done since 2020 and they’ll be desperate to change. Should all of the above wishes come true then they’ll go very close to finally breaking that frontier.
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