Hull FC are set to head into their second season under John Cartwright but how did the first crop of recruits made under his leadership fare?
The Black and Whites have recruited strongly once again for 2026 with Jake Arthur being the standout signing from down under, complimented by a number of Super League players including Leeds Rhinos’ prop Sam Lisone.
On paper, the recruitment looks very strong and that’s not necessarily something that was said this time last year when plenty of fans were questioning the recruitment done by Hull FC.
By and large, those skeptics were proven wrong with the 2025 recruits actually faring well and helping the Black and Whites to a much-improved season.
Some of those signings had standout seasons, others simply contributed, whilst some failed to make an impact at all. We’ve graded every signing made by Hull FC last season when John Cartwright took over.
Every Hull FC signing under John Cartwright
Pre-2025 recruitment
Jordan Abdull – F
There wasn’t many worse signings that Jordan Abdull last year with the former Hull KR man released before playing a game due to a knee injury that saw him take the full year out in 2025 after his release from the Black and Whites. He’ll now look to rebuild with Widnes Vikings but it’s fair to say his move to Hull FC was a failure due to injury.
John Asiata – B
Another injury-affected player, a theme of Hull FC’s recruitment, however, when Asiata was on the pitch, he was absolutely vital. The Black and Whites were markedly better when Asiata played and if he can stay fit then he can justify this grading.
Amir Bourouh – C
Bourouh came in and did exactly what was asked of him, splitting time with Cade Cust and serving as the club’s primary hooker.
Ed Chamberlain – D
Another injury-impacted player with Ed Chamberlain playing 20 games and already being loaned out to Bradford Bulls for 2026. He often found himself moved into the pack through no fault of his own.
Cade Cust – B
Cust has already signed a new deal, such was his early success, with the Australian proving to be the perfect utility. Capable at hooker or in the halves, Cust will wear the 14 shirt in 2026.
Zak Hardaker – A
Arguably Hull FC’s player of the season in 2025, Hardaker played almost every position possible and he played most of them to a very high standard. Off-contract at the end of 2026, Hull FC will have to make a decision on the veteran back.
Oliver Holmes – E
Similar to Abdull, Holmes didn’t play a competitive game for Hull FC and had to retire due to injury. Perhaps because of the premium placed on halves, he avoids an F and manages an E.
Jordan Rapana – D
Rapana didn’t quite have the impact that Hull FC desired and the fact he’s retired one year into his deal is potentially a sign of that. Nevertheless, he offered invaluable experience to the set of young backs and did bag a try against rivals Hull KR.
Hugo Salabio – D
Salabio was loaned out despite Hull FC having a number of injuries in the pack with the French international failing to make a major impact.
Aidan Sezer – A
Sezer was one of the players fans asked questions about when he signed but he answered all of them in an impressive campaign that saw him control the side and play some of his best rugby in Super League.
2025 mid-season recruitment
Sam Eseh – C
Loaned in early when injuries hit, Eseh made quite an impact and became a fan favourite but he didn’t sign permanently and will now return to Wigan Warriors.
Liam Knight – C
Another signing to help cover the injuries in the pack and whilst Knight started quick, he tailed off and also had some discipline issues. With a full pre-season, he could be some force in 2026.
Will Pryce – C
Showed sparks of what he could do but injuries and an inconsistent spine hampered him. Another to be very excited about for the future.
Liam Watts – D
Watts played just eight times but has left ahead of 2026, signing with Championship side Goole Vikings.
Pre-2026 recruitment
Jake Arthur, Joe Batchelor, Connor Bailey, James Bell, Harvie Hill , Sam Lisone , Joe Phillips, Arthur Romano – B
The recruitment for 2026 looks far stronger on paper but there will be concerns about the injury history of Joe Batchelor and the 2025 injury struggles of James Bell. Young forwards Joe Phillips and Connor Bailey add depth to a pack that is bolstered by Harvie Hill and Sam Lisone’s signing, whilst Jake Arthur is the star recruit.
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