Hull FC narrowly missed the Super League play-offs this year but they’ve built a squad for 2026 that looks very capable of a top six finish.
After a nightmare 2024 season that saw them win just three games, Hull FC have been transformed under John Cartwright with the Black and Whites finishing seventh in Super League.
A loss to Catalans Dragons in Round 27 meant they finished three points shy of the play-offs but there are brilliant foundations to build on.
The actual foundations of the current squad blend experienced veterans with future stars, as evidenced perfectly in their backs this season with the likes of Lewis Martin and Zak Hardaker among their star performers.
Having confirmed six signings for 2026 in Sam Lisone (Leeds Rhinos), Jake Arthur (Newcastle Knights), James Bell (St Helens), Joe Batchelor (St Helens), Connor Bailey (York Knights) and Harvie Hill (Wigan Warriors), it’s expected that more will come with Serious About Rugby League the first to report Hull’s interest in Arthur Romano (Catalans Dragons) and Joe Phillips (Goole Vikings).
Based on the confirmed additions, we’ve looked at the incredible team that John Cartwright could name for 2026.
What Hull FC could look like in 2026
Full-back: Will Pryce
We didn’t get to see enough of Will Pryce in 2025 due to injuries but what we did see was very exciting. With the addition of Jake Arthur, it seems full-back is where they’ve decided Pryce is best played and if he can recreate the form that earned him an NRL move then that’s very exciting for the Black and Whites.
Wingers: Lewis Martin and Harvey Barron
Lewis Martin ended the season as Super League’s top try scorer, scoring 25 across the season but he’s not the only young talent on the wing. Harvey Barron has impressed and beyond him is veteran Tom Briscoe.
Centres: Davy Litten and Zak Hardaker
Arthur Romano may have signed but he’d be hard pressed to get in ahead of this duo. Hardaker rarely got to play in the centres given the fact he was Hull’s utility man in 2025 but he was signed for that role and should continue there with Davy Litten.
Halves: Aidan Sezer and Jake Arthur
Aidan Sezer wasn’t viewed favourably when first signed but he’s proven fans wrong and with a new half-back partner in 2026, it will be on the captain to take the lead again.
Hooker: Amir Bourouh
Cade Cust is an option here but he’ll likely be the utility off the bench with Amir Bourouh setting the tone from the start.
Props: Harvie Hill and Herman Ese’ese
Herman Ese’ese was one of the best props in Super League prior to his injury and Harvie Hill could be one of the best in future years with his World Club Challenge performance last year against Penrith highlighting how special he can be.
Second-rowers: Joe Batchelor and Jed Cartwright
If this pair can stay healthy then they will be a force in the Hull FC pack with Joe Batchelor signing a three-year deal and Jed Cartwright heading into the final year of his contract.
Loose forward: John Asiata
Similar to Ese’ese, Asiata was one of the in his position prior to injury and it was so evident how much better Hull FC were with him in the team.
Interchanges: Cade Cust, Sam Lisone, James Bell, Liam Knight
Cust will be the utility option, joined alongside three forwards with Sam Lisone one of the best impact players in Super League this year. He’ll be joined by fellow recruit James Bell as well as Liam Knight.
That would still leave the likes of Ligi Sao, Connor Bailey, Ed Chamberlain, Tom Briscoe, Yusuf Aydin, Brad Fash, and all of the club’s upcoming youth, including the Kemp twins, available.
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