Liam Knight has a strong message for those who continue to criticise Hull FC’s recruitment: don’t!
Led by John Cartwright and Richie Myler, the Black and Whites underwent a hefty recruitment drive ahead of the 2025 season, with two key pillars sought above all else: leadership and experience. That saw the arrival of several older players to the club, in particular veteran half-back Aidan Sezer.
But it’s those veterans, including Zak Hardaker and the like, who have come up trumps, despite coming under an age bracket that brought with it plenty of scrutiny when the deals were reported last year.
But in the eyes of Hull’s front-rower, who was also recruited this year and has now signed an extension at the club, it’s that experience that continues to lead the way, with Sezer having a stormer of a first season in the black and white.
“The same people now will be like, ‘What a great signing,’ ” Knight, speaking to Hull Live, said. “Everyone needs to stay off social media and keep their opinions to themself, but then again, that’s the world we’re in now, and everyone gets to instantly respond. They’ll be eating their words now, as he’s been arguably our best player.”
Knight, who is buoyed by what’s to come at the club, continued: “We’ve got a couple of signings coming in next year, we’ve got a good squad, and I think the club is in a really good position. Richie is doing a great job, and Andrew Thirkill, he’s passionate, and he wants to win. We’re in a really good spot.”
Knight’s recruitment plea is one of trust, with Hull’s 2026 incomings seeing Sam Lisone join the club next season. They have also signed Joe Batchelor, James Bell, Connor Bailey, and Harvie Hill and are now in the market for a half-back, with the club holding talks with Jock Madden.
For the prop, the message once again is clear: back the club and its decisions, with the player lauding Sezer’s displays and impact this year.
“He’s a fossil, mate, but he’s been outstanding,” Knight said. “He’s been massive for us on and off the field. You see his performances on a weekend, and he’s exceptional, but at training he’s equally important for us, keeping everyone accountable. He’s a great leader, and it’s been a pleasure to play with him.
“Even when he doesn’t have those games where he’s making breaks and setting up tries, it’s the stuff that you don’t see on TV; it’s the steering around, keeping everyone calm, and the kicking game.
“He’s a really steady head, and he helps a lot of our players, telling them where they need to be. He plays a massive role for us both with and without the ball.”
And while Knight is still relatively new to Hull FC, he knows the past is the past with the club, in the midst of a big rebuild, looking up and nothing less.
“I didn’t know much about last year, but you can see the improved performances this year,” Knight, who has committed for a further 12 months, added. “I heard Hull had a tough year last year, but I spoke to John and I spoke to Aidan – I asked a couple of questions about where they are at now, and they said they’re in a building phase.
“I then spoke to Richie, and there was a lot of excitement and passion there. It’s a really good fit for me, and hopefully we can keep getting better and better.”