The latest Hull FC notebook.
Hull FC suffered a costly defeat to Leeds Rhinos on Saturday, losing 34-0 to the in-form Super League side. The defeat was another injury-hit affair, with Herman Ese’ese, Ed Chamberlain, Liam Watts, and Cade Cust all picking up bangs. Here is the latest notebook.
Herman Ese’ese injury
Hull FC are awaiting scan results on a potential Achilles injury to Herman Ese’ese. The in-form prop forward limped off the field during the first half of Saturday’s defeat to Leeds. He was clearly in some discomfort, with scans set to determine the severity of the injury.
On that front, the results are still to come, but Hull Live understands Hull won’t see him on the field again this year in what is another blow to John Cartwright’s side. The Black and Whites have already lost John Asiata, Will Pryce, Jed Cartwright, and Liam Knight for the season, with Ligi Sao suffering a season-ending injury back in February and Oliver Holmes forced to retire through chronic knee issues.
Sadly, Ese’ese is now set to join that list – although once again, the severity is still to be confirmed. The 30-year-old has been an ever-present in Super League this year, notching up 24 league appearances for Hull, plus two in the Challenge Cup. He scored ten tries and was second in the Man of Steel voting as it went into the dark back in June.
Hull’s other injuries
Elsewhere, Hull also lost Ed Chamberlain to a hamstring injury against Leeds, with the severity again currently still to be determined. Liam Watts also has a tight hamstring, while Cade Cust took a bang to the back. An update will come on both players later this week as they get through recovery and into training.
However, Hull will hope to have Sam Eseh back for the derby. The on-loan prop has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury but is aiming to get back into contention this week. The likes of Will Gardiner could also step in. The prop was Hull’s 18th man against Leeds and has recently been playing for Doncaster on dual reg in the Championship.
Liam Knight’s message
Hull FC prop Liam Knight was ruled out for the season last month after suffering a stress fracture to his ankle. The player was enjoying a stellar first season at Hull, with a new one-year deal signed. That will take his stay in East Yorkshire into 2026, with the player stating that this year was one of the most enjoyable of his career.
Writing on Instagram, Knight said: “Season 2025 done and dusted for me due to injury,” he wrote. “Never the way you want to finish a season but that’s part of the game, unfortunately. One of my most enjoyable seasons on the field so far. Thank you to everyone who played a role and helped make the transition across to England enjoyable. Love you all. Looking forward to next year and enjoying some quality time back in Aus.”
2005 reunion
Hull FC’s 2005 Challenge Cup winners were back at the MKM Stadium for Saturday’s clash against Leeds. The players were paraded around the ground prior to kick-off, with then-captain Richard Swain saying a few words on the pitch.
The Black and Whites defeated Leeds in Cardiff over 20 years ago, with Paul Cooke scoring the winning try. It was their third time of winning the cup, adding to successes in 1914 and 1982. They also won the cup back-to-back in 2016 and 2017.
In attendance were Chris Chester, Danny Brough, Kirk Yeaman, Richard Horne, Shayne McMenemy, Richard Swain, Paul King, Ewan Dowes, and Jamie Thackray.
Academy defeated
Hull FC’s academy side were defeated 46-18 by Leeds Rhinos on Friday night. The game was Hull’s final fixture of the season, with Rio Kassim, Callum Smith, and Kieran Calvert scoring the tries.
Wheelchair hammered
Hull FC’s wheelchair side lost 134-0 to a strong Halifax Panthers side in the first stage of the 2025 play-offs. The game was played in Manchester as part of the end-of-season finals.
Women beaten
Hull FC women also lost their final game of the season, losing 36-0 to London Broncos in the women’s Championship on Sunday afternoon.