Exclusive: Lewis Martin on staying grounded, kicking on, Hull City’s promotion charge, and Hull FC’s hopes for 2026.
Hull FC winger Lewis Martin celebrates a try with Davy Litten. (Image: Dave Lofthouse, Hull FC)
When you score 32 tries for Hull FC in one season, the club’s best return in over a decade, you’re bound to have a bit of swagger about you, but while there’s confidence in Lewis Martin, the Black and Whites’ rising superstar, he hasn’t let it go to his head.
Instead, there’s a refreshing down-to-earth attitude oozing out of the 21-year-old. Ready to step into his third full season as a Super League player, Martin shows humility towards his 56-game career to date, but at the same time, he is not resting on his laurels.
In fact, there’s a hunger now to kick on, a determination to be the best, and an obsession to build on the 2025 season that saw him score three hat-tricks, one four-try haul, and cement his place as one of the most promising young players in the competition.
“It was such a whirlwind year,” Martin, speaking to Hull Live, said on the 2025 season. “I didn’t even think I’d be playing in round one, so to play every single game was mental, but I loved it. It was just a crazy year, a mad year, but I’m looking to improve on that now and take that next step.
“That’s the key for me. I’m not one to boast and brag and I know I can’t get ahead of myself. I’ve got to stay grounded. I had one good year last year and a pretty good year in 2024, but as a team, we didn’t achieve what we wanted.
“It’s a team game, and I want to win things. That’s the main thing for me. Of course I want to do the best for myself, but then I also want the best for the team, so I’m not getting too far ahead. I’ve still got a lot to learn and a lot to improve on, but there’s a high ceiling for me now and I’ve just got to keep learning every week, especially off the older boys. I just want to keep improving and keep playing.
“You look at the best wingers in the league, and hopefully in the years to come, people will look up to me as one of them. Representing my country is also a big aim for me, and hopefully, one day I can do that. I spoke to Lasty a few games about it, and he said my and Harvey (Barron)’s names have both been spoken about at England, which was good to hear. I’ve just got to put my best foot forward in the season and let my rugby do the talking. Hopefully, I can do that this year.”
Already on a sturdy pedestal, how Martin got to his current stage – scoring hat-tricks at Wigan, taking on and beating Bevan French, etc. – is no fluke. It’s about confidence – and the Hull flyer has bags of it.
“I just back my ability – that’s what I’ve done in my career so far,” Martin continued. “As a player, you’ve got to believe in yourself and just go out and do it.
“I know what I can do, and if you don’t go out and try it, then it’s not going to happen and if I hadn’t tried to go round Bevan, then I wouldn’t have scored. You’ve just got to believe in yourself.
“I try to do that every game, and I try to give my all in every game I play. I try things all of the time; you don’t get anything out of it if you don’t try. It’s about leaving no stone unturned and giving it my best shot every single game.”
Of course, Martin’s rapid rise from teenage footballer to rugby league star is a story now told far and wide. It’s one of inspiration: a player shown the door by Hull City but picked up by Hull FC.
“Growing up I probably never thought I’d be a rugby league player; it was always football,” Martin said. “But rugby is huge in Hull, even more than football during derby week and the season when there is that divide. I think it’s special for the city, and to be a part of it is great. I wouldn’t change it for the world now.
“From my debut in the last game of 2023 and to play the 2024 season, it wasn’t a good year for the club, but for the young boys, it was good for us to learn the game and improve, and then last year was just crazy.
“It was mad. I get recognised more now, out and about or whatever it is, but that’s part of it. I don’t mind it. The fans pay your wages at the end of your day, and I think it’s important, especially with young kids, to take the time out to speak to them and stuff like that. I enjoy it.”
And as for his footballing roots, Martin’s allegiances haven’t changed. He’s still a fan of City and is backing Sergej Jakirović’s in-form Tigers to achieve promotion to the Premier League.
“It’s been a good season so far,” Martin said. “I was never expecting it with the transfer embargo, but it would be great to see them back in the Prem. I think they’ll make the play-offs definitely.
“He (Jakirović) is class, and I think they’ve just got a good team. All the boys look like they enjoy each other’s company. I don’t think they had that before; maybe there was a bit of bickering, not toxic, but it looks to be a good environment to be in now. Hopefully, they go up.”
Putting City’s success this season down to team spirit, the young winger sees the same qualities at Hull FC, a key component in the Black and Whites’ own quest for success this term.
“It’s a big part of it,” Martin said. “You can look at key individuals in your team, but being a team is half the job. You need to trust your mate next to you, and having that camaraderie and that team spirit and team-first mentality is a massive part. I think we’ve got that. We all love each other’s company and coming in every day and spending time together.”
Picking up where he left off last season, Martin scored three tries at Wigan in the club’s final pre-season game last Sunday. On the year ahead, the winger added: “It’s been a long pre-season. The off-season was good, and it was good to get away, but I’m just ready to play now.
“We’ve spoken about our goals as a group this year, and if we don’t play finals at the end of the year, then something must have gone wrong and it’ll be a disappointing season, but we’ve got big inspirations this year, and we’re really looking forward to it. Hopefully we can get a good cup run as well and make the final. We’re ready to go.”