Hull FC host Wakefield Trinity this Thursday night, with the side aiming for their first home victory of the year. Elsewhere, the signing of Sam Lisone has been confirmed by the club, with the recruitment drive ongoing, while there are musings on six agains, reserves, and the like. Here is the latest notebook.

Home win craved

There’s no bigger incentive for Hull this Thursday night, who are targeting a home victory for the first time in almost a year. The Black and Whites last success at the MKM Stadium was against Wigan Warriors back in July 2024, with a scalp over Wakefield not only getting the monkey off their back but also reigniting their play-off charge. Trinity currently sit a point ahead of Hull in the table and leapfrogged them after last weekend’s results. But Hull can return the favour here, with John Carwright airing the side’s desperation to do just that.

“The players and the staff—everyone—hurt like the fans when we don’t get a result,” Cartwright said. “There’s nothing better, after a win, than seeing the fans just enjoying themselves and putting smiles on their faces. Everything is being thrown into getting that elusive home win. I feel it’s close.” You can read his full preview here.

Old faces return

The clash against Wakefield sees ex-Hull FC duo Josh Griffin and Cam Scott return to the MKM Stadium for the first time since leaving the club. The duo are players Harvey Barron knows well, with the winger telling Hull Live: “The way that Griff went, it was a bit sour, so I think he’ll have a point to prove, but Griff came here and won the Challenge Cup; he’s a legend of the club. I still speak to Cam. He’s going well, and it will be nice to see him, but we’ll talk afterwards.”

Six again inconsistencies

Speaking of Havey Barron, the winger aired his thoughts on ongoing flop issues and a controversial captain’s challenge when speaking to Hull Live this week. It’s an issue Jon Cartwright is also frustrated with.

The head coach said: “It’s a weekly thing, understanding why those that are given are given and why those that are not given are not given. You go through a lot of different tackles, and at the end of the day, you just keep scratching your head.

“It’s hard to work out why they’re given, but probably more so why they’re not given in the same situations. I can understand the fans frustration with it—it’s frustrating for players and coaches as well.”

Sam Lisone signed and sealed

As exclusively reported by Hull Live, Sam Lisone will be a Hull FC player next season, with the impact prop signing a two-year deal with the club for the 2026 season and beyond. The 31-year-old is the impact front-rower desired by the club and is the fifth new recruit for next year.

The club has also signed St Helens duo James Bell and Joe Batchelor, Wigan prop Harvie Hill, and York back rower Connor Bailey. On the retention front, Liam Knight is also signed. You can view how Hull are shaping up for 2026 here.

But what comes next?

Hull, with the passing of the quota extension, has further recruitment opportunities to explore. One of those saw them get the scope to sign Lisone, but they, as it stands, still have one spot to use.

The expectation is that a centre or spine player will be sought, but it depends on what is available and what Hull can facilitate, both in terms of a deal and what’s left on the salary cap. But as John Cartwright said to Hull Live last week, the recruitment game changes all the time, sometimes even in the same day. But it is something Hull are on top of, and it would be very naive to rule out a further signing.

Reserves win

Hull FC’s reserve side made it five victories in a row with a 14-10 success over St Helens last Friday night. Tries came from Callum Kemp, Ben Johnson, and Joe Ward, with Francis Cummins side now seven wins from nine this season. They are in fourth place in the table, level on points with Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves. they play Wigan up next on Saturday, 19 July.

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