Hull FC interim coach Andy Last has reminded the playing group that the focus must remain on the current season, insisting that all they can do is ‘manage the here and now’ as he issued a response to the latest reports about Cade Cust possibly leaving the club.
All Out Rugby League reported earlier in the week that Cust, who is contracted until the end of the 2028 season, has been offered out to other Super League clubs for the 2027 campaign.
The news around Cust came as it also emerged that Hull FC had opted against signing overseas outside back Suliasu Vunivalu, despite incoming head coach Steve McNamara being seen in Beverly with the former NRL man.
On Vunivalu and where the club stand, Andy Last told BBC Radio Humberside in his weekly presser: “I couldn’t tell you. I know we’ve enquired about his availability and that.
“The reports are Steve had a coffee here in Beverley and that photo did the rounds last week. There’s been some conversations there but in terms of content and details of those conversations I’m not privy to.”
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Hull FC boss responds to Cade Cust speculation
Last had a similar response when asked about the reports of a possible Cade Cust exit, revealing that it was a hot topic of conversation at the club but that ultimately the outside noise should be ignored.
“When I walked in on Tuesday into the breakfast room that was the topic of conversation,” Last explained.
“I’m not a big social media person. Custy looked at me and I said you can’t always believe everything you read Custy.”
Last admitted: “I think all players at this moment in time are feeling a little bit worried and a little bit nervous about their long term future at the club because obviously there’s a change of coach and with change comes change to personnel, change to staff etc.
“All we can do is manage the here and now and that is whenever Cade’s playing he’s whole hearted, he’s committed and that gives him the best opportunity of staying a year.”
Cust, who still remains out with a shoulder injury, could be back for selection next week according to Last, who agreed that it is tough for players given how easily accessible news reports and social media rumours are.
He said: “It can be difficult because players read social media and players read newspaper articles because that’s the modern day player. Social media is part of the modern day players life. Whenever you’re on the coach travelling to a game you’ve got the phone in your hand and it’s normally Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, whatever.
“They’re reading various stuff from potential transfer rumours, incomings, outgoings, all that sort of stuff. I just try and focus on the group that we’ve got.”
