Hull FC have been dealt a blow in preparations for their season opener with star signing Jake Arthur set to miss out.
The Black and Whites will host Bradford Bulls later today at 5:30 pm with the game set to be Hull FC’s highest home attendance for a non-derby opening day game since 2005.
That’s in part due to a strong contingent of travelling Bradford Bulls fans but more so to do with the huge faith that Hull FC fans now have in their team following a swift rebuild under John Cartwright.
The Australian took the Airlie Birds from 11th to seventh in just one season with Hull FC just three points outside of the play-offs. That optimism has been compounded by strong recruitment this off-season, though one of the club’s star signings will not play today.
Previously revealed as a doubt by Serious About Rugby League, Jake Arthur, the club’s NRL recruit to play in the halves, is expected to miss out against Bradford with the playmaker suffering a slight hamstring issue.
Jake Arthur to miss Hull FC season opener
It’s a big blow for the season opener but John Cartwright has utility Cade Cust available or young talents Callum and Lloyd Kemp, with the former playing alongside Aidan Sezer in the halves for the final two games of the 2025 season.
It’s also not likely to be a lengthy injury for Arthur with the signing expected to be back within two weeks, something that will be a huge relief to John Cartwright.
Hull FC will also be without a number of forwards with John Asiata, Jed Cartwright and James Bell expected to be shorter-term, whilst Herman Ese’ese is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles that he suffered last year.
Cartwright should be back for round two after suffering a HIA last week against Salford.
Team news for Hull FC’s clash with Bradford will be confirmed at 4:00 pm, at which point it will be made clear how John Cartwright plans to replace Jake Arthur.
Hull FC 21-man squad: 1. Will Pryce, 2. Harvey Barron, 3. Davy Litten, 4. Zak Hardaker, 5. Lewis Martin, 6. Jake Arthur, 7. Aidan Sezer, 9. Amir Bourouh, 10. Harvie Hill, 11. Joe Batchelor, 14. Cade Cust, 16. Sam Lisone, 17. Liam Knight, 18. Ligi Sao, 19. Tom Briscoe, 20. Yusuf Aydin, 21. Arthur Romano, 22. Connor Bailey, 23. Brad Fash, 27. Callum Kemp, 32. Lloyd Kemp
The BIG Super League preview with every team covered and predictions made – Click here to watch the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show
