Hull FC’s loose-forward plan hasn’t gone to plan this year, but Andy Last is hoping it delivers next season.
Hull FC forward James Bell.
Andy Last has confirmed that James Bell will remain with Hull FC next year, despite speculation suggesting he is set for a move away from the club. The interim head coach also stated he is looking forward to seeing the Kiwi spell the position with John Asiata next year – who has one year remaining on his deal.
Signed to spell Asiata in the middle of the field, Hull’s loose-man plan hasn’t worked out this season, with Asiata suffering a serious hamstring injury back in April and out in rehab ever since. Bell has also had injury issues with his knee this year, but Last is backing the players to come back strong next season and add the dimensions Hull were looking for in 2026.
The Kiwi was one of Hull’s best again in defeat to Warrington Wolves on Saturday, linking the attack in the middle of the field and ensuring FC had a fighting chance in what ended up being a narrow 16-14 loss.
Battling on, Bell did it tough at times and was a late HIA interchange but is hoped to pull through to play away at Toulouse Olympique next week.
“Hopefully he’ll be okay,” Last told Hull Live. “That’s how he plays: he’s wholehearted and he plays with his front foot on the gas. He got his hands on the ball and put on some quality shapes for us, and that’s what we need him to do.
“Defensively he shoots out the line and he wants to impose himself on the game. He’s a really good footballer. He knows how to play deep into the line; he’s got good skill, and his pass selection is good.
“He’s found a little bit of form for us so hopefully he’ll be okay for next week. He’s that link in the middle of the field for us. He’s a John Asiata type and that was the thing I was excited about this year: having John and then when we took John off, we could continue with the same sort of style with Belly playing that role.
“The hope was it kept them fresh and both on the field. Hopefully that will be the case next year.”
Asked to clarify Bell’s position next year, with the forward under contract for two more years, Last said: “Rumours are rumours. The speculation at this time of year is a bit ridiculous, to be honest. I’m not going to speculate on any rumour.”