Hull FC have been very busy in the transfer market for next year, with five new players in the door for 2026.
Sam Lisone, who joins from Leeds Rhinos, is the only one of the five announced by the club. But FC have also signed up James Bell from St Helens, while reports elsewhere claim James Batchelor from St Helens, Connor Bailey from York Knights and Harvie Hill from Wigan Warriors are all due to arrive.
Hull will have some outgoings, with Jordan Lane and Jack Ashworth reportedly set to join Castleford Tigers for next year. Sam Eseh is due to return to Wigan Warriors upon the end of his loan spell, too, as it stands, despite FC’s desire to sign him permanently.
The Black and Whites also have some contract negotiations to deal with before the season’s end. Tom Briscoe is out of contract at the end of the year, as are youngsters Zach Jebson, Matty Laidlaw, and Will Gardiner.
The extension of the quota, which now allows 10 overseas players in a squad, has come in handy for John Cartwright’s side, as it allowed Liam Knight to sign a new deal and stay at the club. It also gives Hull the option to re-sign Ligi Sao, who is deregistered this year due to a season-long injury, should they wish.
How we think Hull FC will line up in 2026
Full Back: Will Pryce
The former NRL man is currently out through injury, forcing Zak Hardaker and Jordan Rapana to cover the number one spot in his absence. Despite having the number six on his back this year, we expect him to move to full back permanently for 2026.
Wingers: Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin
The young duo have more than earned their place in the side this season, with both players having impressive seasons. Barron has been consistent in his performances on the wing, whilst Martin is FC’s top try scorer. Expect them to remain on the edges next year.
Centres: Zak Hardaker and Jordan Rapana
The experienced pair have both spent time at full back this year, but centre seems the role for them next year. Rapana was signed to play at the back, but his performances have not been to the standard required of late and a positional switch is likely in 2026.
With FC still having one quota spot left for 2026, it is not out of the question that they sign an out-and-out centre for next year.
Halves: Cade Cust and Aidan Sezer
Despite signing to play a utility role that included switching between stand off and hooker, Cust has stood out this year and made the six position his own. He has combined well with Sezer, and the pair have six tries and 21 assists between them this season.
Props: Herman Ese’ese and Liam Knight
Ese’ese has been one of the standout props in 2025, with his impressive try-scoring record a key factor in FC’s success this year.
Knight joined the club in March of this year and has been a handy addition to Cartwright’s side. Averaging over 35 tackles per game, the 30-year-old has brought much-needed size, strength and aggression to the FC pack.
Hooker: Amir Bourouh
The dummy half role could be another position that the Black and Whites use their final quota spot on. Bourouh’s effort cannot be questioned and he has impressed in the role, but beyond Denive Balmforth, who is currently on loan at Catalans Dragons, they lack experienced depth at nine.
That being said, Bourouh will probably end up as the starting hooker, and the Black and Whites will likely rotate him with Cust, meaning youngster Jack Charles takes a spot on the bench to go into the halves.
Second Row: Jed Cartwright and Joe Batchelor
Cartwright has made just four appearances this season, but returned last week in the defeat to St Helens. He will hope for a good run of games to prepare for a big 2026 as we approach the end of the season.
He will pair Batchelor in the back row, after he signed a long-term deal from St Helens. Injury has plagued the 30-year-old’s season in the Red Vee, but a switch to pastures new could see him return to the form that earned him a call-up to the England squad in 2022.
Loose Forward: John Asiata
Asiata is one of the key players that glues this team together. His ball-handling ability, combined with his size and speed, makes him tough to deal with and always provides an extra threat in attack and defence.
Subs: Sam Lisone, James Bell, Harvie Hill, Jack Charles
Three of the new signings are expected to make the bench in 2026. Lisone has made a name for himself being utilised as a super sub 10-15 minutes from the end of each half to come on and topple tired defences and give his team a momentum boost. Bell will switch with Asiata, whilst Hill will provide cover for the props. Charles will swap for Bourouh and play six, moving Cust to nine.
