Hull FC have signed eight players for the 2027 season. However, a key ambition of the club is to bring through their own talent – a vision shown in the rise of starting wingers Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin.
But the satisfaction doesn’t stop there and Hull, under new head coach Steve McNamara, will be looking to unearth more young players into the first-team picture.
Building a competitive squad, FC will count on that young talent in 2027, with depth key and opportunities, given the vigorous nature of rugby league, set to be handed out once again.
Those opportunities saw the likes of Logan Moy step up as one of the team’s best players last season, while Lloyd Kemp also impressed in stages. With that in mind, here are five of Hull’s most promising youngsters to watch out for in 2027.
Logan Moy
The young Hull full-back, still only 21, stepped up at the end of March and never looked back, playing every game up until the season finale at Leeds in September. He stood tall most weeks, with his tenacity and robustness at the back there to see. As the year went on, his running came to the fore, with his carry and metre totals up there with the best in the Super League competition, and while there is another dimension to come in his passing game, the promise was there to be seen. Moy is bound to get further opportunities this coming season and playing with better players like Will Pryce and Daly Cherry-Evans, it’ll be interesting to see how he comes on. A big pre-season awaits, with Moy in battle with new recruit Bailey Hodgson, using previous winters to bulk up and get to grips with the senior game. There’s no doubt here that he’ll be following suit this time around in order to hit the ground running in 2027. A big year awaits.
Lloyd Kemp
The twin of Callum Kemp, who will benefit from learning off DCE next season, Lloyd, who turned 20 shortly after victory at Leeds, is set for another big year. The former Hull Wyke junior filled in at hooker at the end of last season, adding another string to his bow. He’s also capable of playing centre, a spot he shined in during stages of mid-season, not to mention in the halves and at full-back. Finding the spot he’s best suited to and fits into the team in will be key, but there’s no doubting Hull have a tenacious and fully committed young talent here, and one who never lets the team down. He’s as fearless and competitive as they come and will no doubt take his chances next term when they arise.
Lennon Clark
The young back row forward turns 21 next month and will look to push the senior players at the club next term, hopefully impressing McNamara and co after what was an encouraging first year at Super League level. Rewarded with a new one-year deal, Clark never looked out of place and impressed with his work rate and line running. His attitude is also spot on, with the player well poised to kick on in what should be a higher-performing environment next season.
Will Kirby
The 20-year-old forward suffered a cruel ACL rupture against Wakefield back in July and while most of pre-season will be spent in rehab, it’d be foolish to write Kirby off once he gets the all clear next year. He had his best game at Super League level one week prior to his injury and looked at home in the loose-forward role. Another fearless young player, Kirby, comfortable in the middle or on an edge, will be determined to pick up where he left off once he regains full fitness again.
Denive Balmforth
Arguably one of the most talented young hookers in Super League, 2027 is a huge year for Balmforth, returning to Hull after an encouraging year on loan at York. By all accounts, the club were impressed with the 22-year-old’s spell at the Knights, with the dummy half set to get his chance now to break into the FC side again. The attacking talent is there, while it’s fair to say his defence – an area that is perhaps scrutinised too much – improving. The player will be confident of becoming the all-round package and adding a spark to the Hull side when he’s on the field. This is a massive year for him – and hopefully one where he cements his spot for good.