Hull’s identity has been questioned again.
Hull FC’s Zak Hardaker consoles Jake Arthur after their side’s loss to Toulouse.
Paul Cooke believes Hull FC are in crisis again, with their 2026 season already hanging in the balance – and says Aidan Sezer’s time at the club is all but over after his axing.
The Black and Whites were hammered 42-6 by Leigh Leopards in Super League Round 12 – their eighth defeat of the season. They sit 10th in the table, above only Huddersfield, Toulouse, York and Bradford, with the Bulls level on points in their first year back in the top flight.
Injuries have ripped through Hull’s campaign, along with the departure of head coach John Cartwright.
But former England international Cooke did not hold back in his assessment, questioning the club’s identity and direction after another heavy loss.
“There’s a crisis there for me,” Cooke said on All Out Rugby League Back Ten.
“I’m not sure where they’re heading, and what their identity is. That’s why I think it’s really important that Steve McNamara gets a couple of weeks with them in the sun in the winter [during the off-season], and lays down some plans and some standards, because right now, they’re way off.
“I don’t see where the points come from, the harmony of the group isn’t great, the John Cartwright saga, it’s a difficult 2026 already for Hull FC.”
Meanwhile, as first reported by Hull Live, Sezer’s future at the MKM Stadium looks all but finished. The club captain is contracted for next season, but that deal could be cut short, with Bailey Hodgson expected to arrive from Leigh in the off-season.
Sezer was dropped by interim boss Andy Last for the clash with Leigh due to form.
Cooke added: “I don’t think he was good at Bradford the week before. He made a couple of errors early in the game, then burnt his captain challenge – ridiculously, in my opinion – after seven minutes.
“I don’t think he’ll be at the club next year, I think they’ve made that decision, and maybe that’s why they left him out on the weekend. They’re going to go with some younger players, and a squad without Aidan Sezer. I think his time at the club will be up.”