The ultimate professional. Tom Briscoe on his Hull FC future, longevity, and personal pride.
Hull FC’s Tom Briscoe in action at Hull KR. (Image: SW PIX)
It’s hard to find a more laidback and chilled person in rugby league than Hull FC veteran Tom Briscoe. Then again, this is a situation he’s been in plenty of times before, and just like all of those times, there’s no panic, no panic when it comes to his playing future beyond the end of the 2026 season.
Turning 36 years old last month, Briscoe is still going strong in the Hull side. He got his chance after Harvey Barron went down to an ankle injury at the end of February and has been ever present since, rolling back the years to score a fine derby try last time out.
Clocking up 450 career games in the season opener at Salford, Briscoe knows the club have an option to extend his Hull deal by a further 12 months, and he is certainly open to another year in the black and white – a year that would be his tenth in this part of the world after first breaking on the scene as a teenager back in 2008.
“I went through all of this last year with the contract talks,” Briscoe, speaking to the media, including Hull Live, said on his future. “At the minute, it’s just a case of ‘I’ll see how I feel.’ We’re only early on in the season.
“Obviously, there is a hold on it in terms of the new coach coming in next year (expected to be Steve McNamara) and what they want, but I’m in no rush to get anything sorted. I just want to see how I go and how I feel come the end of the year. We’ll assess it then, go from there, see what the club want to do, and look at my options.
“I wouldn’t have expected to have heard anything by now, and I didn’t this time last year. It’s not something that is at the front of my mind now, and it won’t be until we’re pushing towards the back end of the year. We’ll leave it until then and see what we all want to do.”
Cutting a composed figure, there’s always a sense of modesty when Briscoe talks about his career. He takes nothing for granted and is fully appreciative of the opportunities he’s been given in rugby league.
Reminded that another year would be his tenth at Hull and the 20th of his career after stints at Leeds Rhinos and Leigh Leopards, Briscoe, who is closing in on 200 appearances for FC, continued: “That would be a massive milestone. Not many players get to that point.
“I think, just even saying that, 20 years playing, is crazy. I can’t believe it’s gone so fast. I suppose I can’t believe it would be ten years at Hull FC as well for the journey that I’ve been on. It would be nice, but again, there’s a long time to go before then and we’ll see how we go.
“It makes me feel old, but it’s special. I hold it dearly that I’ve been able to stick around and stay fit for the majority of my career. I’ve had some injuries along the way and some setbacks, but for the majority, I’ve played every game that I’ve been available for. I’m incredibly proud of that achievement.
“I just want to enjoy it now. I’ve achieved what I have in the game and that desire and want to do that and replicate that again are still there. But for me, I was brought to the club to bring on some of the younger players, and the way Harvey, Lewis (Martin), and Davy (Litten) are going, I feel like that’s been achieved. I just want to do more of that, help out when I can, and when I get a chance to play, just give my all.”
Happy with his form, Briscoe has done just that, playing the last five games in league and cup on the right wing. His derby showing was arguably his best yet this year – and he’s determined to keep it going.
“Since coming back in, I felt like I’ve been going well,” the veteran said. “I’ve kept my spot and the coaches are happy. I’m also happy with where I’m at.
“I’ve just tried to be as professional as I can be throughout my career and do what I need to do with training, extra training, and working hard – there’s probably been a bit of luck along the way, but I’ve just tried to give it my all every single week.
“I feel like if there’s one thing that comes out of my career, it’s that every game and every time I pulled on that shirt, I’ve given it my all and tried my best.”
Re-joining Hull in April 2024, Briscoe has also been studying for a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science alongside his playing commitments. That could be an option down the track, but for now, it’s all about playing on for as long as he can.
“There are lots of options and lots of avenues that will become available,” Briscoe added. “At the minute, I’m just concentrating on playing. Who knows what the future holds.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Having spoken to retired players, they just say, ‘As long as you’re enjoying it, keep going. You’re a long time retired.’ I’ll just assess it at the back end of each year and see how we’re going and see how mentally and physically I’m managing and make a decision then.
“I’m happy with where I’m at. At the start of the season, I just needed a chance and wanted a chance to play and I got that. I feel like I’ve taken that chance and I’ve given it my all.”