Change is coming at Hull FC, and change for one senior player, brings belief.
Incoming Hull FC head coach Steve McNamara.
Herman Ese’ese is convinced Steve McNamara will get the best out of Hull FC next year.
Set for a homecoming this autumn, McNamara – currently an assistant coach at Warrington Wolves – will return to the club he left as a player 30 years ago, signing a four-year deal to lead the Black and Whites from the 2027 season and beyond. And for Ese’ese, there’s one thing the Hull-born coach will bring above all else: belief.
Behind the scenes, the changes are already coming, with Scott Taylor (assistant coach) and Nathan Mill (phyiso) joining the backroom staff. More appointments are expected, with Hull also set to improve their facilities at the university, with grass pitches a primary focus.
Two players have also been signed in Bailey Hodgson and Alrix Da Costa. The wheels are in motion, and for Ese’ese, a marquee man contracted until the end of the 2029 season, it only adds to the excitement.
“Once they signed Steve Mac, I think everyone was just happy that he’s coming back home and coming back to his boyhood club,” the prop said. “He’s a good coach – he’s coached England and he’s had NRL gigs. He brings a wealth of experience and I’m sure that he’ll get the best out of us next year.
“I’m not going to jinx anything but I think the main thing is just belief. I think there there’s going to be a lot of changes within the club but whoever comes in, we just need to make sure we have that belief in the playing group that we’ve got, the coaching staff that we’ve got, and try to play good footy for the fans.”
In the meantime, Ese’ese hasn’t given up on the 2026 season, despite any salvation looking like a tall order with 12 rounds still to go.
Sat in 10th place in Super League, Hull’s next two games are against Wigan Warriors and Hull KR, but Ese’ese isn’t giving up. He knows players are coming back this summer, and that itself beings some optimism for a decimated club battling injuries once again.
“We’ve got a good mix of experienced players, young players, and I’m still very confident in the team that we’ve got,” Ese’ese said. “Once we get everyone back, I know that we can kick on, win some games, and push for a strong finish.
“We’ve got a good squad and within the next month or two, we get more bodies back in Ligi (Sao), Sam (Lisone), and James Bell. I’m really looking forward to playing with them.
“I just want to get back to the form of last year and I know it will take me a few games to ease into it and build up match fitness, but I want to get back there and then still get better. I feel good. I feel strong. I’m always passionate about this club and every time I pull on that jersey, I always want to do my best for the team, the best for the club, and the best for the fans. Been out for so long, I’m just really excited for the rest of the season.”
Above all else, Ese’ese just wants to build himself back up, playing week in, week out under Andy Last – who stepped up into the interim role two months ago before moving back to his assistant role under McNamara next season.
“He’s a real passionate about this club,” Ese’ese added. “When you have someone at the head of the team who is Hull born and bred and a die high black and white, you can see the passion and you just want to go out there and play really well for him and not let him down.
“We’re bringing another Hull born and bred coach in next year in Steve Mac. They are proper Hull lads who are real passionate about the whole club and it just makes the boys drive harder and just try to play well for them.
“He’s bringing in a lot of experience. He’s a really smart coach. There’s a reason why he’s had that, England assistant gig there. He also cares about the players as well, it’s not just all footy – he cares about off the field as well. I’m really, really, really grateful to play under him.”