Hull FC have confirmed the signing of Bailey Hodgson.
New Hull FC signing Bailey Hodgson. (Image: SW PIX)
Richie Myler has labelled Bailey Hodgson a ‘priority’ Hull FC signing and believes the player’s best years are still to come.
Still only 23-years-old, Hodgson has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Hull, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2028 season. Signing from Leigh Leopards, where he has scored 10 tries in 40 appearances, he is the first recruit of the Steve McNamara era, who will join the club as their new head coach ahead of pre-season training in November.
A Hull-born player, Hodgson knows full well the standards and expectations at the Black and Whites, having come through the junior ranks at local community club West Hull. He made his professional debut with Castleford Tigers in 2020 before moving to NRL outfit Newcastle Knights in 2021. He also played for Sydney-based outfit Manly Sea Eagles.
Hodgson returned to the U.K. ahead of the 2024 season, playing the last three seasons with the Leopards. He is comfortable at full-back, on the wing and at centre.
“Bailey was one of our priorities for 2027,” Myler said. “He’s a young player with genuine Super League quality; he’s proven he can perform at this level and, importantly, we believe his best years are still ahead of him.
“As a Hull lad, he understands what this club means to the city. He’s joining because he wants to be part of what we’re building under Steve McNamara, and we’re delighted to have secured him.
“We’re continuing to work hard on the playing group for 2027, and Bailey is exactly the type of player we want to bring into Hull FC as we move the club forward.”
Hodgson, nephew of former Hull FC and Hull KR hooker Josh Hodgson, has also outlined his excitement at joining his hometown club.
He explained: “I feel like it’s a really exciting time and I can’t wait for the opportunity. I know the team has been struggling on the field this year, but off the field Hull are doing so many things well.
“I’m excited to work with Steve McNamara in 2027, a coach who I massively respect.
“It always means a lot more when you get the opportunity to sign for your hometown club and it’s something that I’m very excited about.”