What a player. What a career.
Tom Briscoe in action for Hull FC back in 2012.
Watching prime Tom Briscoe was like buying a ticket for the rodeo. The words of interim head coach Andy Last following the veteran winger’s call to hang up his boots at the end of the 2026 season.
Last is well positioned to judge the 36-year-old, having first coached him in the Hull academy before his 2008 first-team debut. In total, he played nine of his 19 years as a professional at the Black and Whites, including several of his peak years – years that saw him appear on the England fold as a FC player.
And in his pomp he brought chaos. It’s easy to mention Briscoe’s big derby highlights, from the try down the then-known KC Stadium’s west stand touchline to the tackle on Peter Fox two years later, but it was his ability to break out of tackles that stood out as much as anything. Cue a long field try against Leeds in 2012 where he left several Rhinos on the deck.
That was Briscoe’s game in a nutshell: so strong in contact and in the backfield, a skill set that earned him his plaudits this season in what is now confirmed to be his last before calling time on an, as it stands, 471-game and 232-try career.
“He was a tackle breaker – there was a period there where you had to have tickets to the rodeo when he was carrying the ball out of the backfield,” Last, paying tribute to Briscoe, said. “He used to throw people off. You couldn’t contain him.
“Tom has had some real special moments wearing a Black and White shirt. He’s had a fantastic career and he’ll certainly leave a mark on this club.
“He’s had great consistency throughout; he looks after himself, trains well, and he never brings you any problems off the field. He’s just a good person, a really good person.
“He’s a superb player, he’s strong, and he’s a great ball carrier out of the backfield. He’s a perfect modern-day winger, really, and his professionalism has allowed him to have the longevity in the game that he’s had.”
Briscoe first emerged onto the Hull scene as a fresh-faced 17-year-old, debuting off the bench at Warrington in the first game of ’08. He then hit stardom with his derby moments, and those moments continued throughout his career, with the winger linking up with Leeds Rhinos and Leigh Leopards, winning three Challenge Cups and two Super League titles.
It’s a testament to his professionalism and his standards that Last, who praised Briscoe throughout the year, is actually ‘disappointed’ that the veteran is retiring, albeit he understands the reasons why.
“It was tinged with a little bit of disappointment,” Last said when asked for his reaction to the news. “I think his performances this year have been exceptional. He’s contributed hugely on the field and he also contributes a great deal off the field as well with his experience and his leadership.
“But he felt it was time. His body was taking a lot longer to recover after games. A couple of weeks ago, we almost had to pick him up off the floor and I think that’s when he knew it was time.
“He’s been an exceptional player for Hull FC, and he’ll certainly go down in the conversations when you talk about your greatest Hull FC Super League wingers and teams. He comes from good stock. His mum and dad are wonderful people and have done a great job with the three boys: Tom, Jack and Luke. They’re a great family.
“I’ve got a lot of affinity for Tom. I was part of the youth team that helped him come through at Hull and it was quite clear from the outset that he was going to be a good player, as he was so strong.
“He was part of an all-conquering Featherstone Lions team with the likes of Joe Westerman, Liam Watts, etc. He has had a great impact on Super League. I’m just proud that I’ve played a little role in his career.”
Last is now backing Briscoe to finish on a high with three games to go, first in his final home game against Warrington this Saturday evening before away fixtures at Toulouse and Leeds.
“He’s not far off 400 Super League games so that puts a bit of pressure on me to select him,” Last smirked. “I know Tom will look to play a strong game, his last one in front of the Hull FC fans, and it’s one we’re looking forward to.
“He’s been an exceptional player, he’s a credit to himself, and he’s been a great servant to this club.”