The lowdown on three Hull FC players who could make their debuts on Friday night.
Hull FC back Ben Johnson.(Image: Hull FC)
Hull FC could debut as many as three players at Leigh Leopards on Friday night, with academy-produced duo Lennon Clark and Ben Johnson named in the 21-man squad alongside 2026 recruit Joe Phillips.
The trio are three of five changes made by interim head coach Andy Last, with all three players in contention for selection following injuries to Ligi Sao, Brad Fash, Lewis Martin, and Amir Bourouh – and suspension to Yusuf Aydin.
Herman Ese’ese and Hugo Salabio also make up the squad, which also contains more young talent in Will Hutchinson, Will Kirby, Callum Kemp, and Lloyd Kemp.
Obviously, not all of that talent will make the final 17, but there is a possibility of some fresh blood getting their opportunity at Leigh Sports Village.
As for Clark and Johnson, they have been on the fringes of the first-team squad for the last couple of years and could feature against the Leopards.
Asked what they would bring to the side if selected, Last told Hull Live: “Lots of energy, lots of enthusiasm. If they get the opportunity to make their debut, it’ll be a special occasion for them.
“They are big Black and White fans, and their families are big Black and White fans, and they’ve earned their opportunity. They have come through the system and they will be very grateful to the Hull Wyke club for helping them on this journey.
“And if we give them that opportunity of making their debut, it galvanises the group as well because you get a little bit extra from some of those senior blokes, as it’s a milestone game for those two young lads.
“It’s exciting – I still haven’t finalised the team, but if those two guys get that opportunity, we’ll be looking to try and put in a strong performance for them.”
Clark is a back-row forward, while Johnson has the capability to play right across the back line – and has done for the reserves over the last two seasons.
“I think his best spot is centre, but he has showcased the ability to play as a half-back and as a full-back,” Last said. “He’s a very, very silky player, is Ben. I know the youth staff speak very, very highly of him, and he showed some nice touches against Leeds in the reserves last week.
“He needs to expose himself to this higher level, and it’s an opportunity which doesn’t come around very often. Again, if those two guys get the opportunity, I hope that they take it with both hands.”
Last also commented on Phillips, who is within a shot of what would be a first Super League appearance following his off-season move from Goole Vikings.
“Potentially,” Last said on his inclusion come Friday night. “Joe is a work in progress. He needs to work a little bit on that repeated effort stuff, but he’s come in and probably hasn’t quite hit the ground running.
“He picked up an injury with a stress fracture on his lower limb and he’s working his way back up. He’s in and around that first-team squad.”
On Salabio’s chances, with Hull recalling the prop from a loan spell at Halifax Panthers, Last added: “Hugo’s benefitted from playing week in week out at a strong level of competition. That’s something which I think the game needs to look at.
“Hugo’s been able to go and play regular Championship games at Halifax, wearing his bruises, finding his lungs, and working on his timing.
“It’s far better for Hugo to be out in the Championship rather than playing in the reserve competition where it’s a couple of games and then it’s a couple of weeks off. He has benefitted from playing consistent rugby.”