Hull FC have wasted no time in taking advantage of the new quota rules, with ten overseas, or non-federation-trained, players now allowed per club from the 2026 season.
The quota extension has long been expected after it was preferred to an exemption for long-serving players and was confirmed on Monday afternoon, with Super League clubs all receiving documentation from the RFL on the rules.
That has allowed Hull to secure their latest addition, signing Leeds Rhinos prop Sam Lisone after winning the race to acquire the impact front-rower – an area of their squad that they have identified for improvement.
Lisone is the fifth completed new signing for 2026, following on from St Helens duo James Bell and Joe Batchelor, Wigan prop Harvie Hill, and York back rower Connor Bailey.
But where does that leave Hull’s quota situation, and what could come in next as CEO Richie Myler and head coach John Cartwright continue their ongoing recruitment drive for next year and beyond?
How many quota players do Hull have for 2026 as it stands?
Nine. The Black and Whites used all seven quota spots allowed for the 2025 season. In fact, they even got dispensation to deregister the injured Ligi Sao in order to sign Liam Knight. Since then, Knight, as per Hull Live, has signed a new contract at the club, with the prop being the eighth quota player for next year – Lisone being the ninth.
Elsewhere, Hull have signed up James Bell from the Saints, with current players John Asiata, Jed Cartwright, Cade Cust, Herman Ese’ese, Jordan Rapana, and Aidan Sezer all contracted for next season.
There has been some confusion regarding Cartwright, with Hull announcing an 18-month deal last summer. However, the player told Hull Live last August that he was contracted for two and a half years. Cartwright Senior also confirmed that last month.
Which quota players are out of contract?
Ligi Sao. The prop is currently deregistered, having suffered a season-long knee injury back in February, and is out of contract at the end of the season. What Hull’s stance is on the player is unclear, but it all centres on how his recovery goes. A popular player amongst the squad, Sao is in rehab at the club and progressing well.
What could come next?
Hull have had a clear emphasis on strengthening their pack for 2026, with five new recruits to go alongside two key retention pieces in Knight and Herman Ese’ese. However, the quota extension still sees them with one spot to recruit a further overseas addition. Whether that comes in the centre, or in the spine, will be interesting. That’s something Myler, Cartwright, etc., will be weighing up right now, with the salary cap perhaps dictating where they go.
A spine addition could be sought, allowing Cade Cust to play the interchange role he was originally signed for, covering both the half-back and hooker positions. However, Cust has impressed at times this year, and with Hull’s attack coming through John Asiata, they could opt for a new centre.
They have Zak Hardaker, Davy Litten, Ed Chamberlain, and young Ryan Westerman all on the books, but the new rules do allow them to bring in some further quality and depth, with one big signing, you would expect, still to come.