A look at what’s ahead this winter.
Hull FC begin pre-season training this Monday with the squad taking the first steps in preparation for the 2026 season. Here is a rundown of what’s ahead.
November 3 – Pre-season start
The squad will return to their training base for the first stages of pre-season, with a staggered campaign set to take place this winter. Hull will build into the next three months as players return from injuries and off-season surgeries. However, all fit members of the squad are expected to report to training on Monday, with those numbers increasing as rehabs and the like near completion.
November 16 – Brad Fash testimonial dinner
Brad Fash is Hull FC ’s longest-serving player, having made his first-team debut back in 2015 against Castleford Tigers. That has seen the prop forward granted a testimonial from the RFL for his services to Hull, with his celebrations beginning with a launch dinner this month. A full interview with the 29-year-old can be found here.
November 27 – Super League fixtures out
Hull will learn their Super League path in three and a half weeks, with three new opponents – Bradford Bulls, Toulouse Olympique, and York Knights – all added to the calendar. Bradford replaced Salford Red Devils, as marked by the IMG club gradings, with Toulouse and York chosen to join an expanded competition.
Of the three teams, Hull’s last competitive action came against the French side, with Hull meeting Toulouse three times in 2022 – the away trip being a try-scoring debut for Harvey Barron. The side last met Bradford in competitive action back in 2014, with their last meeting against York coming back in 1997. A total of 26 fixtures are expected, with no Magic Weekend.
December – Christmas break
Hull broke off for nearly two weeks over the Christmas period last year, with John Cartwright keen for his squad to spend the festivities with their families. The head coach also gave as many weekends off as possible during the pre-season programme, with the squad hard at work during the week. A similar pattern is expected this time around.
January – Challenge Cup draw
All Super League sides will enter the cup at the third round stage, playing away ties at clubs ranging from the Championship to the community game. That could pit Hull against anyone from the London Broncos to local NCL side West Hull.
The draw will take place in January, and if it takes the same formula as last season, then the first, second, and third rounds will be drawn at once, meaning that Hull will have as many as four potential opponents. This was the case last year with GB Police, London Chargers, and Oulton Raiders all three potential opponents before the club met second-round tie winners York Acorn. Nonetheless, an interesting draw awaits.
January – Pre-season fixtures
The Challenge Cup launches the competitive season for Super League clubs on the weekend of February 7-8. Before that, Hull Live understands Hull are looking at playing two fixtures. One of those games will be Brad Fash’s testimonial match, with the other potential game not yet signed off. It follows the same path taken last year, with Hull having scheduled matches at Doncaster and Castleford Tigers. The Doncaster game was supposed to feature the club’s younger and more fringer players but the game was called off due to bad weather.
February 7-8 – 2026 season starts
Hull will have around twelve weeks of pre-season training before the 2026 season gets underway. Following the cup round, Super League begins the following weekend on 14-15 February – and then on the rollercoaster we go…