Exclusive: Hull FC are closing in on their latest piece of retention.
Hull FC players Ben Johnson, Will Kirby, and Lennon Clark.(Image: Dave Lofthouse, Hull FC)
Hull FC are closing in on a new deal for young back row forward Lennon Clark. The 20-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season. However, it is now expected that the player, a boyhood Hull supporter, will sign fresh terms to remain at the club into the 2027 season and beyond.
Hull Live understands that the Black and Whites are keen to tie Clark down and have offered a new deal to the former Hull Wyke junior. It is hoped all parties will now come to an agreement, keeping the player at the club next year.
A product of the Hull FC youth system, Clark has come through the scholarship and academy programmes, also featuring for the club’s reserves side on the way to his first-team debut. He first appeared at Leigh Leopards back in May, coming off the bench, before earning his first start in the recent Magic Weekend derby against Hull KR.
A promising young player, Clark is understood to have impressed club figures with his attitude and conduct, displaying a level of professionalism beyond his young status. He has also held his own in Super League, and produced a fair performance in the derby.
That, mixed in with several months of training, reserve appearances, and a spell on loan at Whitehaven, is set to see Clark stay at the club, with Hull keen to blood young players when the opportunities arise.
The likes of Lewis Martin, Harvey Barron, and Davy Litten have all been given leading roles again this season, while Logan Moy has held the full-back spot for the last three months. Elsewhere, Will Hutchinson, Callum Kemp, Lloyd Kemp, Will Kirby, and Ben Johnson have all featured at various stages this year, with Clark now hoped to be the latest young player to commit his future to the club.
Meanwhile, the Black and Whites have been weighing up retention decisions in recent months and still have several players out of contract. The likes of Jed Cartwright won’t be renewed, with decisions to be made on Yusuf Aydin, Tom Briscoe (one-year club option), Brad Fash, Hugo Salabio, and Ligi Sao.
Young pair Ben Johnson and Roman Dawson are also out of contract. These players are all free to speak to rival clubs.
Martin and Barron both signed long-term deals at the start of the season. Zak Hardaker also saw a club and player option activated. A full round up of contracts can be found here.