Hull FC have named their 21-man squad ahead of Friday’s Challenge Cup clash.
Hull FC half-back Aidan Sezer.(Image: Hull FC)
John Cartwright has named a strong Hull FC 21-man squad to take on Salford RLFC in Friday’s Challenge Cup third round tie. The Black and Whites head over the Pennines to begin their competitive season after two pre-season trials, with club captain Aidan Sezer included and set for his first action of the year.
Sezer, who had shoulder surgery in the off-season, is joined by new half-back partner Jake Arthur, one of six 2026 signings in the squad, with the duo set to feature for the first time. Joe Batchelor, Harvie Hill, Sam Lisone, Arthur Romano, and Connor Bailey are also included and in contention to make their official debuts.
Elsewhere, the likes of Will Pryce, Zak Hardaker, Jed Cartwright, and Cade Cust, all of whom had their own surgeries in the off-season, are named alongside Harvey Barron, Davy Litten, Amir Bourouh, Ligi Sao and co. Young back Lloyd Kemp is also included, as is Matty Laidlaw, who is free to play after a recent failed HIA against Huddersfield Giants.
Meanwhile, Lewis Martin, who recently signed a new five-year deal to keep him at the club until the end of the 2030 season, is rested, with Liam Knight (head) also unavailable as he enters the last checks of his return to play protocols.
Hull remain without Herman Ese’ese (Achilles), James Bell (knee), Logan Moy (calf), Joe Phillips (leg), Joe Ward (ACL), and Roman Dawson (ACL). John Asiata (hamstring) is currently being managed and isn’t risked.
Hull Squad: 1. Will Pryce, 2. Harvey Barron, 3. Davy Litten, 4. Zak Hardaker, 6. Jake Arthur, 7. Aidan Sezer, 9. Amir Bourouh, 10. Harvie Hill, 11. Joe Batchelor, 12. Jed Cartwright, 14. Cade Cust, 16. Sam Lisone, 18. Ligi Sao, 19. Tom Briscoe, 20. Yusuf Aydin, 21. Arthur Romano, 22. Connor Bailey, 23. Brad Fash, 25. Matty Laidlaw, 26. Hugo Salabio, 32. Lloyd Kemp