Lewis Martin has packed on the muscle – and is now set to reap the benefits.
Hull FC winger Lewis Martin.
Hull FC are set to see a rejuvenated Lewis Martin this summer – at least according to interim coach Andy Last.
The reigning Dream Team winger returned to the Black and Whites’ lineup against Wigan Warriors last week after four games out with an ankle injury – and was noticeably freshened up.
It wasn’t a coincidence, with Martin using his time out injured to bulk up – packing on the muscle and gaining over 2 kg in mass. The effect is a sequence of stronger backfield carries, with Martin bending the Wigan line and making over 100 metres in a welcome return to the team last week.
In Last’s view, that brief time out and bulking period was exactly what Martin needed, who has enjoyed a ‘meteoric’ rise over the last two years.
Debuting for Hull in the final game of the 2023 season, Martin has missed just seven games since, playing 69 of Hull’s last 76 matches and scoring 48 tries in the process.
It’s been a rapid rise for the Hull-born speedster, a rise that has seen him become an opposition target this season – a challenge that is set to continue in Saturday’s Magic Weekend derby match against Hull KR.
“Lewis certainly looks physically better,” Last told Hull Live. “The extra couple of kilos that he’s put on with some hard work in the gym has really benefitted him. He carried the ball really strong against a very strong defensive team in Wigan and bent the line back a little bit.
“We are really pleased with some aspects of Lewis’ game. There are also some that he’s got to improve and work on – like his decision-making in defence – but that goes for all of the players. We’re pleased with what he did and there are a few more levels to come yet.
“Lewis has only just turned 22. He’s had quite a meteoric rise to becoming a Dream Team winger last year, and then the year before, in 2024, it was a tough year, and you’re looking as supporters, coaches, and press for positives, and Lewis was someone who was put up on that pedestal.
“There’s a little bit more pressure on him now being a Dream Team winger and playing week in, week out, and Lewis is working his way to becoming a really consistent Super League player for us. There will be some dips in form, as that’s what happens with young players, but I thought what he did against Wigan was very good and I was pleased with the way he came back into the team after having a little bit of time out.”
Turning the injury negative into a positive, Martin is now ready to kick on again in the Black and White and not only add to the six tries he’s got in 13 appearances this year but also ensure those backfield carries remain strong.
It’s the same challenge for Hull’s other flying winger, Harvey Barron, who will miss the Magic derby after failing an HIA against Wigan but who will hopefully return to the side for the following game at York Knights – and a challenge Last says Martin, along with Tom Briscoe, has to relish this week.
“They have got respect from the opposition and teams are aiming at them more now,” Last said. “They feature more heavily in previews. Harry was on the end of some physical stuff last week.
“There was nothing malicious but there was some real intent from Wigan to leave their mark on Harvey and it resulted in him going off for an HIA. That will be the same again this week for Lewis and Tommy Briscoe.
“But once again, Lewis will be better for that extra bit of weight he’s carrying and the extra strength he’s picked up. The intent with which he carried out of the backfield last week was significant. Wigan struggled to handle him and I’m hoping that will be the case again this week.
“It’s really important to flip the negative out of an injury and turn it into a positive – and Lewis has done that. For Lewis, it’s all around his physicality of his yardage carries and some technical stuff, finding ways to get in between people and not carrying into contact too high.
“He was significantly better against Wigan – and he looks in better shape. I saw him with his shirt off and you can see he’s put on some muscle, which is a credit to Lewis and the S&C team. We spoke with Lewis as a group of staff to use this time to improve certain aspects of his game and he’s certainly gone away and done that. Credit to him.”