Steve McNamara could already have a new-look spine in his first season at Hull FC.
Will Pryce could be set for a positional switch in 2027 following Hull FC’s latest transfer move.
Will Pryce could be set for a positional switch next season following Hull FC ’s latest transfer move for Leigh Leopards outside-back Bailey Hodgson.
Hull-born Hodgson emerged as one of Super League’s standout full-backs last season, seizing his opportunity at the Leigh Sports Village in the absence of the injured David Armstrong.
Still only 23, Hodgson’s best years are ahead of him. He already boasts strong experience, including spells in Australia with Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles, where he worked alongside elite full-backs Kalyn Ponga and Tom Trbojevic.
He played 29 games during Leigh’s 2025 campaign, becoming a firm Leopards fan favourite while also posting some of the competition’s best running-metre statistics.
All Out Rugby League understands Leigh Leopards were keen to retain the talented outside-back with his initial contract running until the end of 2026. However, the former Castleford Tigers youngster is now set to return to his Yorkshire roots and join the Black and Whites – a move that could trigger positional reshuffles at the MKM Stadium under incoming head coach Steve McNamara.
Current first-choice full-back Pryce is sidelined with a serious ACL injury, but his return could see him shifted into the halves alongside Jake Arthur.
Aidan Sezer remains under contract until next year, though a positional switch for Pryce could help manage his workload and potentially reduce the risk of further injuries.
The 23-year-old’s career has so far been disrupted by fitness setbacks, and moving into the halves may lessen the physical demands placed on him. Full-backs often cover more ground than most players in a rugby league match, and the position across Super League has already suffered a number of significant injuries in 2026.
Pryce is no stranger to playing in the halves, either. Almost half of his appearances for boyhood club Huddersfield Giants came in those roles, while his three NRL starts for Newcastle Knights also came at stand-off.
With Pryce, Hodgson and Arthur in the side – along with Sezer’s experience – Hull could field a backline capable of causing serious problems in 2027 and providing a bright start to the club’s new era under McNamara, with Hodgson expected to become the first signing of the incoming coach’s tenure.