Hull FC are gearing up a big 2026 season.
John Asiata in Hull FC training. (Image: Hull FC)
Hull FC have four weeks of pre-season training to go before their competitive season begins with Challenge Cup action on the weekend of February 6-8.
The Black and Whites’ potential opponents for that tie will be drawn this Monday afternoon, with Hull, as per all Super League clubs, set to face a lower league side once again in the third round.
In the meantime, they will continue to build up to that clash in training with two weeks to go until their first pre-season game against Huddersfield Giants before playing Wigan Warriors the following week.
In camp in North Yorkshire last week, Hull will return to familiar surroundings this week as they step up to playing in a fortnights time. Nurturing combinations, they are now into their final block, with team cohesion strong again and aims laid out ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Here’s a rundown of some of the biggest stories to come out of the Hull FC camp so far.
Rehab takes centre stage
Hull have had a staggered pre-season this time round, with players returning to action at different times. This was to be no secret, and was put on record by head coach John Cartwright back in September. Due to injuries, surgeries and rehab, Hull had to wait a while to get their full compliment of players out on the training field, but now, given one or two exceptions, they’ve pretty much got that.
Cartwright told Hull Live last month that only Herman Ese’ese is expected to be out for the Super League opener against Bradford Bulls on February 14, with the likes of Aidan Sezer in training and making good progress. He’s been joined by John Asiata, Will Pryce, and co with Hull, who, like many clubs, have suffered a couple of injuries in training to James Bell and Davy Litten, expected to field a strong line up for their opener.
The new loose-forward dimension
Hull FC signed James Bell to spell John Asiata in the loose man role and ensure the way they play never wavers. However, what many didn’t anticipate was the two players playing together – a reality which could be the case this year, adding a new dimension and flavour to Hull’s attack, and in the process, unlocking different components of both players.
“It’s a great signing for the club,” Asiata, speaking to Hull Live, said when asked about the signing of Bell. “It takes pressure off me to push out big minutes, and now the quality of my minutes can be a lot better and more effective with Belly there too.
“We will probably swap in and out, but in saying that, I would also love to be on the field at the same time with him. I can then run more and it will give Belly the licence to play.
“I normally dish the ball out, but playing with him, he can dish it out and I can run lines. I don’t mind that, but the distribution I do takes that out of my game, whereas having Belly there gives me another dimension and another way to play the game.”
Jed Cartwright’s new contract aim
Like every year, Hull have some big contract decisions to make in the near future. One of those will be regarding Jed Cartwright, who made his intention clear when speaking to Hull Live back in November.
“I’ve probably never looked forward to a season as much, especially after last year and some of the big injuries I got,” Cartwright said. “I just want to pay the club back now for the faith they showed in me and I want to pay the fans back for all the patience they’ve shown in me since I got here.
“I’m really settled now. I consider Hull home. I love this town, I love this club and I love the fans. I don’t want to be anywhere else. I’ve really settled with my partner and we’ve got a kid on the way now as well. I’m really excited to hopefully play well and then the contract will look after itself.”
New faces
Hull have signed eight new players for the 2026 season. We’ve been lucky enough to speak to seven of them so far with positive vibes coming from all. From Arthur Romano’s intent to break into the side, to Sam Lisone wanting to create ‘havoc,’ to the qualities Joe Batchelor aims to bring, it all bodes well for the future, with Hull’s recruitment first centred on the pack and then on a half-back and outside back.
And speaking to the squad this off-season, one thing is clear: the play-offs are the goal. In fact, they are the minimum expectation and after just missing out last year, they’d single further progress in 2026.
Reaching that next level is a goal shared by the club’s CEO Richie Myler, who said in a lengthy New Year’s statement: “There is still a significant amount of hard work ahead, and we must continue to drive standards even higher in all areas to fulfil this club’s undoubted potential over the coming years.
“The players have without doubt restored pride in the Hull FC shirt in 2025, but in 2026 we need to take the next step to becoming more resilient and clinical in key moments. I am confident that together as a club, this year will be another significant and exciting step forward, together.”