Hull FC remain open to all recruitment markets
Hull FC loan player Jeremiah Mata’utia. (Image: Dave Lofthouse, Hull FC)
Andy Last is hoping to have some recruitment discussions with Hull FC CEO Richie Myler and future head coach Steve McNamara following this Sunday’s game against Toulouse Olympique.
The Black and Whites take on the French side at the MKM Stadium before a welcome week off as they look to get players back from injury and potentially take a more in-depth look at the recruitment market.
Hull – who still believe they can make the Super League play-offs this season and are currently just two points adrift – applied for salary cap dispensation after Will Pryce’s season-ending injury back in February and also have a quota spot available following the departure of Liam Knight soon after.
To date, their only additions have been ‘week-to-week’ Leeds Rhinos loan pair Harry Newman and Jeremiah Mata’utia, with the club hoping to acquire both players, who impressed at Castleford Tigers last Friday night, once again for their clash against Toulouse.
The players’ status will be assessed early this week before the Rhinos, in action on Friday night, make a decision on whether they will feature for Hull again. However, Hull may look to seek some longer or permanent recruitment solutions after this weekend, with their next game coming at Bradford Bulls on May 17.
So far, the club haven’t rushed into new signings in what is a difficult market, instead backing the likes of Logan Moy in the full-back position as they look to follow through on their youth development aims, but with a permanent coach appointed for 2027 in McNamara, they could look to step up that process, bringing in some longer-term solutions if and when they become available.
Asked about recruitment in Thursday’s press conference prior to victory at Castleford, Last, placed in interim charge as head coach for the rest of 2026, is ‘anticipating more conversations’ next week, with Myler and co. assessing the club’s options both for this year and for 2027.
“My focus for now is just on preparing the players for the rest of the season and making sure they are ready to play,” Last said. “After the Toulouse game, we’ve got a break, and I anticipate then some more conversations with Richie and Steve down the track.
“For now, we’ve got a couple of loan signings in Harry Newman and Jeremiah Mata’utia. Harry is an outstanding addition to us at this moment in time. He’s an England international and he makes any team better.
“Jeremiah, too, he’s a really big body. He needs to play some regular first team but he’s fitted into the group really well. He runs a good line, he’s got a good offload, and he’s a big frame.
“Those two additions have really helped us in the short term, and as and when we need additions, I’m sure Richie will be looking at the market.”
On the injury front, Hull could also welcome back Joe Batchelor into the side this week. The back rower, missing the last two games with a minor back injury, will train with a view to playing on Sunday. A decision will also be made on young prop Matty Laidlaw, who missed the game at Castleford with a dead leg.
Elsewhere, Harvey Barron and Herman Ese’ese are expected to be back around the start of May. Barron has been out since the end of February with an ankle issue, while Ese’ese is closing in on his return from an Achilles injury that has kept him out since last August.