Hull FC

“Worked out perfectly” – Leon Pryce gives verdict on Will Pryce’s NRL stint, Hull FC switch and best position

by
Sam Cook
April 19, 2025

- 05/04/2025 - Rugby League - Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter Final - Hull FC v Hull KR - MKM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England - Hull FC's Will Pryce dejected as his side ship another try to Hull KR.

Rugby League legend Leon Pryce has had his say on his son’s NRL stint, move to Hull FC and also answered what is the best position for Will Pryce.

Will followed in the footsteps of his father and made the move to Hull FC, albeit far earlier in his career, with Will joining the Black and Whites aged 22.

His move came after a spell in the NRL with Newcastle Knights where he made just five appearances and couldn’t truly break into the starting XIII, however, father Leon has spoken on the importance of his son’s time Down Under.

Appearing on Sky Sports and previewing the game between Hull FC and Hull KR, the senior Pryce spoke on his son’s FC debut, which came in the Challenge Cup against Hull KR, as well as answering questions on what is Will’s best position and how his NRL stint shaped him.

Speaking on that debut just a fortnight ago, Leon Pryce said: “He loved it, it was unbelievable, he’d never played in a derby game in front of 24,000 people, he personally will have learned a lot from that game, so I’m expecting a different game.

“He’d only been in the country 48 hours, he’d had one training session and was thrown in, but today I think he’ll learn a lot from that game and hopefully have a better game.”

What Leon Pryce said about Will’s move to Hull FC with NRL verdict given

Will was named in the halves that day but since Cade Cust has returned, he has moved to full-back, however, one of the major questions has been about what his best position is – something Leon was also asked.

“I think he’ll find his way. He’s had a career where obviously so far he’s played six, he’s played fullback. I did that personally but you find your way.

“To be in the first team at Hull FC where they play good brand of rugby, he’s got Sezer playing at seven, Asiata playing at 13 through the middle and it gives him the opportunity to play both sides of field.

“He’s not stuck on one side so at the moment full-back is suiting because of the way Hull FC play but as well you know it’s good to have versatility and to be able to stand in at six and play well there too.”

Another question levelled towards the former St Helens and Bradford man was about his son’s time in the NRL, particularly those who suggested that the switch had ‘not worked out’.

Pryce responded: “People say that he’s not worked out. He’s worked out perfectly. He’s been in Australia for 18 months. He’s learned from the best coaches, the best players in the world.

“He’s played with people like Kayln Ponga over there, he’s understood professionalism, he’s moved away from his mum and dad and his family and lived on the other side of the world at 21 years of age.

“He’s grown up as a man and he’s learned about himself and about the game. For me as a dad, I’m so proud of what he’s done and to come back now to play in front of 24,000, 25,000 in derbies, in tough games, in an environment where he’s learned, he can bring that professionalism over here and learn the game in front of crowds and play in packed out stadiums. So it’s perfect.”