The latest Hull FC notebook.
Hull FC players celebrate a defensive win.
Hull FC host York Knights in Super League round three this Friday night, looking to get back to winning ways after last Saturday’s defeat at Wigan.
Elsewhere, the reserves are back in action after a cancellation, a new club president has been appointed, and a group of former players are taking on an endurance challenge to raise more for the Rob Burrow Foundation. Here is the latest notebook.
JC on home form
John Cartwright is taking a different stance on Hull’s home form ahead of the York clash, pointing to Hull’s record since beating Wakefield last July rather than the five months without a win before. Since getting the monkey off the back, Hull have won five of their last eight at home, with Bradford kicking off 2026 in the right fashion.
“It’s been a bit of an ongoing thing for Hull with the stadium, and our win record there is nowhere near what it was at the Boulevard, so it’s nice to get a win,” Cartwright said. “All we can do is win the first one and move on from there.
“We reversed it at the back end of the year. We won four games at home so hopefully we’ve put that to bed with the win there. Sometimes if you keep talking about it, it makes it a bit more real than what it actually is, so to get that win was really important.”
The signing of the season so far?
You could make a case for Arthur Romano, with the Frenchman filling in at back row and centre so far this season. He was Hull’s best at Wigan albeit in defeat and has looked the part in all trial, cup, and league games go far. And while the likes of Harvie Hill have also impressed, there’s no doubting Romano’s impact on his teammates so far, particularly Davy Litten.
“He’s a really good bloke,” Litten told Hull Live. “He answers questions, whatever you want to ask him, and he trains hard. He brings the best out of me, when he trains hard, I want to train even harder.
“He was outstanding (at Wigan). He was our best player and he gives all of us players a positive impact. We need to perform at his level now and we won’t go far wrong if that is the case.”
Reserves back in action
Hull FC’s reserves game at Wigan Warriors was cancelled last week due to a waterlogged pitch at Robin Park. However, the side are back in action on Saturday, heading to Victoria Park to take on Warrington Wolves. The squad – who defeated London Broncos 44-22 earlier this month – could contain the likes of Logan Moy and Lloyd Kemp, while any members of the 21-man squad that don’t make the matchday side against York, including the 18th man, will be able to play. A benefit of having reserves the day after first-team.
New club president confirmed
Hull FC have appointment of Steve Hodgins as its new Club President. A club statement said: “Effective from 1st March 2026 for a three year term, the honorary role forms part of the club’ long-term vision, and honours Steve Hodgins’ ongoing commitment to the Black & Whites having acted as a significant commercial partner and a friend to the club for a number of years.
“Steve Hodgins joins a list of significant figures who have held the position throughout our 161 year history, including the club’s first-ever international player Gilbert Harrison, and the pair Roy Waudby and David Kirkwood in the later stages of the last century.”
Hull FC Chairman Andrew Thirkill, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Steve as our Club President. Steve’s support for this club is unquestionable and he has been there for Hull FC not just as a fan, but as a genuine supporter of what the club stands for.
“The board was unanimous in its view that Steve was the right person to take on this role. As we build a new culture and a stronger future for Hull FC, it feels entirely fitting that someone with Steve’s history, loyalty and integrity should become our new Club President.”
Rob Burrow charity challenge
A group of ex-Hull FC players led by Matt Shultz will take on a gruelling charity challenge alongside local fireman this week to raise funds for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.
‘100 Laps For Rob’ will see the team cycle 100 laps of a 4km circuit in Molescroft, Beverley on Sunday 1 March. 400km is the equivalent of riding from Hull to Edinburgh, with the challenge getting underway at 4am and expected to take between 15 and 18 hours.
Shultz, who made 57 appearances for the Black & Whites between 1997 and 1999, will be joined by 2005 Challenge Cup winners Ewan Dowes and Garreth Carvell, not to mention Rich Wilson, Rob Danby, Leroy McKenzie, Jez Cassidy, Craig Jackson, and Andy Taylor.
The circular route starts at North Beverley Medical Centre, heads along Woodhall Way, Driffield Road, Molescroft Road, and then Wylies Road.