Sergej Jakirovic looks set to become the new Hull City head coach after lengthy talks with owner Acun Ilicali in recent days, and 12 months on from Tim Walter, it’s another major call.

And in all probability, it’s his biggest decision yet (since sacking Liam Rosenior), and he really needs it to work. For the past 12 months, City have floundered since the sudden departure of their former right-back.

Ilicali’s decision-making has been called into question numerous times in the past year. Many fans remain unconvinced that the Turkish businessman is getting it right. Results on the pitch over the past three years or so would fit that narrative, as would the debts that are racking up in the pursuit of Premier League football.

In truth, returning to the top-flight eight years after their last relegation is a long, long way away and in appointing the Bosnian, Ilicali will pray this one works, because he needs it to.

On the face of it, the 48-year-old is another major risk at a time when many will feel City needs perhaps a tried-and-tested method. Some will say Ilicali should have played it safe and gone with a manager who knows the Championship and has a proven track record in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.

Others will point to managers who have come in from abroad with no experience of English football, let alone the second tier and mastered it. Daniel Farke, David Wagner and just last weekend, Regis Le Bris at Sunderland, to name just three. Having experience of the Championship is not a prerequisite for success, of course it isn’t, but at their current juncture, perhaps that would have been sensible. The caveat is that every appointment is a risk, and nobody really knows how it will work out. The Tigers, though, desperately need it to work on so many levels.

Jakirovic has had success elsewhere, and he will need to call on that impact at previous clubs to make it at City. It’s a big chance for him to announce himself in English football and show what he’s made of. He’s clearly a driven individual and one intent on bettering his career, which is admirable. If he can leave the MKM Stadium in better shape than when he arrived, that will be a positive. In Championship terms, it can’t be any lower than staying up on goal difference.

City fans are a tad nervous because of the fiasco surrounding Walter. The damage his short-lived tenure did has been felt long after his departure in December, and because of that, there’s a degree of scepticism, and potentially, in the dressing room, too.

In fairness, Ilicali’s appointments haven’t been as bad as they appear on the surface. Shota Arveladze was a naive error when Grant McCann should have been given until the end of that season to allow the new owner time to get his feet under the table. Rosenior was excellent, and in Ruben Selles, City snapped up a highly-respected manager. Walter is the one who stands out as being a disaster, and naturally, there’s a fair amount of caution with this latest appointment, and rightly so.

Others wanted the job, but it’s the Bosnian who has been given the chance to take over and deliver Ilicali’s dream of getting City to the top-flight.

Ilicali has paid a lot of money to get Jakirovic, both in terms of compensation to Kayserispor and the manager’s salary, along with his three-strong backroom staff, and he’s taken a risk.

It’s a gamble that he believes is calculated, and worth taking. Jakirovic averages almost two points per game throughout his managerial career, and is known for a style of play that gets results. At Dinamo Zagreb, he enjoyed success where the expectations are huge. In Turkey, he guided Kayserispor well away from danger and was loved. The reaction from their supporters to news of his departure for England’s eastern flank has not gone down well, which is often a fair reflection of how a manager is viewed.

City were a shambles last season, and that cannot be the case again. If it is, they’ll be relegated and the owner will be lambasted, maybe even driven out of town. He used his ‘Get Out of Jail’ free card at Fratton Park, and he won’t be able to call upon it again.

Jakirovic has no choice but to come in and hit the ground running. He has to get results from the get-go, and he will need backing. Having that backing has been crucial to his success at other clubs, and he’ll need it at the MKM Stadium. Let’s not forget that the existing squad avoided relegation because Luton Town were slightly more inept. Mitigating factors are valid, but the league table is there for all to see.

Giving him the players will be absolutely crucial. If that doesn’t happen, Jakirovic’s average of a year at each club might well be tested. And for Ilicali, the fan angst will only grow.

If getting it right post-Rosenior was huge, then this has gone up a level and for the owner, this appointment simply cannot go wrong for so many reasons.

The former Zagreb chief will arrive with the backing of supporters who will back him to the hilt, but he must take them with him and not repeat the failures – and arrogance – of Walter 12 months ago if he’s to get off on the right footing.

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Michael McIlorum has been given an outside chance of playing in the Challenge Cup Final, with Hull KR boss Willie Peters confirming that the veteran will be named in his extended squad.

The hooker has emerged as a shock selection story in Wembley week, with the 37-year-old seemingly having no chance of playing after tearing his bicep in April against former club Wigan Warriors.

He was initially ruled out for a period of three months, but a remarkable return could see the previous Challenge Cup winner take to the field against Warrington Wolves on Saturday.

McIlorum has lifted the prestigious cup three times across his decorated career – twice for Wigan in 2011 and 2013, before making history with Catalans Dragons in 2018.

On his selection call, Rovers head coach Peters said: “He’ll be named in the squad, but we’ll see. We have to look at the pros and cons and weigh it all up. There is risk involved, so we have to look into it.

“He’s built differently, but we need to go through a lot of testing and a lot of conversations before we decide.

“There is risk in there, no doubt. If there is an option to play, we will look at the opportunity.”

An option could see McIlorum feature, and then return to the sidelines to finish his rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, George Williams is set to mark his own return from ankle surgery to feature for Warrington on Saturday. The Wolves captain sustained the blow in April, but has declared himself fit to feature.

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Hull FC got their seventh Super League win of the season on Saturday evening – defeating Catalans Dragons 34-0 in Perpignan.

Elsewhere, there was a defeat for the academy, while the club’s women’s side lost the first derby of the season. Here is the latest notebook.

Hull FC’s current position

After 13 Super League rounds, Hull sit fifth in the Super League table. They have got back up and running after four straight defeats, winning at Leigh and Catalans, and now look set for a big play-off push.

There are still 14 rounds to go and plenty of twists and turns to come, but Hull will fancy their chances of picking up a first home win of the season against Castleford next time out, and then it’s onto struggling Salford.

However, there will be no complacency creeping into camp with John Cartwright being very strict on the side’s week-by-week mentality. They won’t be thinking about the table or what’s ahead – just on beating Castleford the Friday after next.

Do that, and they’ll be sitting pretty – with their destiny in their own hands. Not bad for a team largely tipped to be in the bottom half, even the bottom four, by many.

Hermanator continues spell

Herman Ese’ese scored his ninth try of the season at Catalans – his seventh in Super League. He’s on course for a competition record this term, chasing Alex Walmsley’s record for tries scored by an out-and-out prop in one season, which stands at 11. He needs four more to equal it and five to beat it.

Taking Amir Bourouh’s pass to charge over the line, Ese’ese has proven to be destructive in good ball territory. He has nine tries in his last dozen games – mental. His overall form also remains out of the top tier, with the 30-year-old signed up at Hull until at least the end of the 2029 season.

And as for try scoring…

Lewis Martin now has 16 tries in 16 appearances for Hull FC this season, touching down in Perpignan for a long-range score. He has two hat-tricks to his name against York Acorn and Wigan – both in the Challenge Cup.

Perhaps more impressive has been his longevity. As well as being ever present this year, Martin, still only 20 years old, played in 25 of Hull’s 28 games last year – with his debut coming in the final game of 2023. He scored ten tries before this year, taking his total to 27 to date. In total, he’s played in 42 of Hull’s 45 games since his first appearance. In the three games he missed, he was 18th man, so he’s always been available for the Black and Whites. Not bad.

Academy edged out

Hull FC Academy were beaten 26-24 by Bradford Bulls on Friday night. Played at the University of Hull, the Black and Whites trailed 20-4 at half-time before a second-half comeback almost snatched the two points.

Winger Kirils Prigorkins scored a brace of tries for Hull, while Kieran Calvert, Rhys Yorke, and Preston Ward all crossed over. Finlay Davies kicked two goals.

Hull Starting XIII: Eccles; Yorke, Nelson-Hewitt, L Kemp, Prigorkins; Horne, C Kemp; Goodband, Power, Turner; Kassim, Wilson; Shepherdson

Interchange: Calvert, Davies, Smith, Ward

Dual reg and loan appearances

Hull FC full-back Logan Moy played for Doncaster on dual reg over the weekend. The teenager scored a try in the Dons’ 30-22 defeat to Bradford Bulls, coming off the bench to make his first appearance in the Championship. Will Gardiner also featured off the interchange.

Elsewhere, Ryan Westerman made his debut for Hunslet. However, it was a tough afternoon for the West Yorkshire side, losing 54-4 to Oldham.

Women defeated

Hull FC were beaten 12-4 by Hull KR on Sunday in the women’s championship.

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Only three players have been issued disciplinary penalty points by the match review panel, following the latest round of Super League action.

Leeds Rhinos’ James Bentley has been hit with three points following his side’s 22-18 win over Wakefield Trinity at AMT Headingley Stadium. The 27-year-old has copped a grade B late contact on passer charge, picking up his first penalty points of the season. He has also been fined.

St Helens’ Morgan Knowles has doubled his total tally for the season after being charged for a Grade A late contact on kicker, resulting in one point. Paul Wellens’ side fell to a 34-4 defeat to Challenge Cup finalists Hull KR during Super League Round 13, at Sewell Group Craven Park.

Finally, Wakefield’s Max Jowitt picked up a single point for a grade A dangerous contact charge. The 28-year-old has 3.5 points to his total tally.

There are no concerns for cup finalists Hull KR or Warrington Wolves, while Kiwi veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has now served his two-match suspension and is available for the Wembley showdown on Saturday.

Super League Round 13 disciplinary charges

Morgan Knowles (St Helens) – Grade A late contact on kicker – 1 point – total points 2

Max Jowitt (Wakefield Trinity) – Grade A dangerous contact – 1 point and fine – total points 3.5

James Bentley (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade B late contact on passer – 3 points and fine – total points 3

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Sergej Jakirovic has posted a goodbye message after the Turkish Super Lig season came to an end in dramatic fashion on Sunday evening.

The Bosnian, who is expected to take over at Hull City in the coming days, is leaving Kayserispor after half a season, which saw him save the club from relegation and become a popular figure amongst the club’s fanbase.

Despite leading 1-0 away at third-placed Samsunspor, Jakirovic’s side were controversially beaten 2-1 with goals in the 95th and 98th minute, with that result sealing a Europa League place for the hosts.

After flirting with relegation when the 48-year-old took charge in January, Jakirovic moved the club well away from danger to the relative comfort of 13th place, but is now heading for his first job in English football.

The game didn’t lack for controversy, with the East Yorkshire-bound head coach sent off in the 77th minute, having been pelted by bottles from the home crowd. After sarcastically applauding the Samsunspor supporters, Jakirovic’s yellow card was upgraded to red and he was given his marching orders.

“Our journey this season has come to an end, both for us and the team. Despite all the difficulties, we met expectations and achieved all our goals,” he wrote on social media as he prepares to leave the Super Lig club.

“We congratulate the home team (Samsunspor) on securing a place in European competitions and thank them for their hospitality.”

The former Dinamo Zagreb boss is expected to have a visa hearing on Wednesday, and any official confirmation of his appointment at City is not likely to happen until later in the week at the earliest, potentially even early next week.

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Davy Litten will be travelling down to Wembley to watch cousin Jez Litten this weekend – with the Hull FC back also best mates with Hull KR star Mikey Lewis.

The Robins take on Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup final on Saturday – looking to end a major trophy drought stretching over 40 years.

Litten, a staunch Black and White, has mixed feelings on the clash but insists he’s going to be there for his cousin and his mate, unless they win; then he’ll be going nowhere near them.

“It’s a really sticky one,” Litten said after Hull FC’s win in Perpignan on Saturday. I’m a born Hull FC fan, so I don’t want them to win it – but then there’s one side of me that says they’ve lost a few finals now, and with Jez there and Mikey – he’s my best mate.

“I won’t have a say on it, and I won’t talk about it – what will be will be, but I’m going down to watch it, and may the best team win.

“I’m just going down for a good game of rugby, and whatever happens, happens. If they lose, I’ll be the shoulder to cry on, and if they win, I’ll be nowhere near them!”

Hull boss John Cartwright was also asked his thoughts on the final. The Australian head coach is good friends with Robins boss Willie Peters and has been impressed with the job his fellow countryman has done at Craven Park.

“I know there are a lot of surprises in the Challenge Cup,” Cartwright, whose side lost to Rovers in the quarter-final, added. “Hull KR have been a standout all year, and they were super impressive again on Friday night (34-4 win over St Helens).

“I thought they might have been a bit vulnerable, but it was probably one of their better performances of the year. They’re going to be very hard to beat.”

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Hull KR supporters will outnumber their Warrington Wolves counterparts at Wembley after out-selling their Challenge Cup Final opponents.

On Saturday, the Robins and the Wire will square off for the right to win the famous trophy, with both clubs desperate to secure silverware for their own personal reasons.

However, it will be Willie Peters’ side who will be backed by the biggest following on Saturday. With tickets being sold centrally, there is not a definitive number of tickets each club has sold. But based on some data it has been confirmed to All Out Rugby League that it is the Robins who have sold more than the Wire.

Warrington are expected to take a similar number to last year, when their sales were estimated at around 8,000. However, Hull KR are quite significantly up on that figure and are are thought to be in excess of 15,000, with some suggesting they may have as many as 18,000 in the ground on Saturday.

That does tie in somewhat with ticket availability in the designated blocks both clubs were given after booking their place in the final, with tickets in the Rovers end out-selling those in Warrington’s side of the stadium.

Rovers head into the game as favourites to end their 40-year wait for a major trophy and their excellent season has seen them well followed all year. Meanwhile, Warrington are returning to the capital for the second consecutive year, having lost to Wigan Warriors in last year’s final. They also took a strong following to Las Vegas earlier this year.

Regardless, it’s certain that the Robins’ support will outnumber Warrington’s this weekend.

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Incoming Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović’s final game as manager of Kayserispor ended in dramatic scenes as he prepares to bid farewell to Turkish football.

The 48-year-old is expected to take over at the MKM Stadium in the coming days after being headhunted by the Tigers. A successful second half of the season with Kayserispor came to a close with a late 2-1 defeat and a red card.

Jakirović, who guided Kayseri away from relegation trouble after arriving in January, saw his side lead 1-0 away at Samsunspor only to concede twice in added time at the end of the game to lose 2-1. That result sealed Samson’s third-placed finish behind Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, and saw them qualify for the Europa League, while Kayseri finished 13th.

Drama unfolded before those two goals in the 95th and 98th minute, when the former Dinamo Zagreb boss was given a red card. The Bosnian was being taunted by home fans and had various bottles thrown at him in the technical area. He was initially booked for his reaction by referee Atilla Karaoğlan, before turning to applaud the stands and was given his marching orders for his reaction, along with sporting director Muhammed Türkmen.

It’s expected that City‘s potential new boss and his incoming technical team will now prepare for a visa hearing on Wednesday ahead of making his move to the MKM Stadium. It’s unlikely any formal announcement from the club will come until all those formalities have taken place.

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Hull FC ran out 34-0 winners in Perpignan on Saturday evening for their biggest victory of the season to date. It was an impressive performance from John Cartwright’s side, with the team unit coming to the fore once again.

As far as stars go, it was hard to look beyond Davy Litten and Will Pryce, but there was one other name getting his fair share of attention from the French locals post-match. Here our Hull FC reporter Dan Tomlinson looks over some of the big talking points and moments you’ll have missed if you were not in the south of France.

Zak Hardaker mobbed by Catalans fans

It’s customary for fans of both sides to wait outside the players’ entrance at the Stade Gilbert Brutus for the stars to come out. Ironically, the entrance is the same one used for the media, so we get a good flavour of what’s going on.

And as the Catalans and Hull FC players emerged post-match, there was one player attracting plenty of attention: Zak Hardaker. To say the local Perpignan population are fans of the 33-year-old would be an understatement – and it’s clear that respect is in high supply over the channel. Either that or they’re big advocates of his bucket hat.

In a decorated career, Hardaker has won it all and played at the highest level. He’s adorned Super League and the NRL, played for his country and is still going strong today. He provided another stellar account for Hull in the back row against Catalans, with his efforts appreciated by all. The Dragons fans mobbed him after the game, posing for pictures and signing shirts, flags, and the like.

Interestingly, and despite Catalans’ ongoing struggles, the fans were still in support of their own players and were just as eager to see them post-match. There was no booing – just a queue to get pictures and autographs. Luke Keary was of particular interest. That support was nice to see.

And also seen storming out of the ground was owner Bernard Gusach, who was not a happy man. It’s tough times for Catalans, but their owner has seen it all before, and now the challenge is to rise again.

Catalans atmosphere

There’s been a lot made of Catalans and what they bring to Super League this year – but in this reporter’s humble opinion, any talk of them not being a part of our competition should be thrown straight in the bin.

The Perpignan experience is still elite – from Le Castillet and beyond – and the region – whether wine tasting or a trip to the coast – has a lot to offer. It’s a beautiful part of the world, but focusing more on the rugby league, not forgetting that the Dragons have been a top side in recent years before their recent blip, the trip is still a go-to affair for rugby league supporters.

Catalans build up their games in boisterous fashion. They have a strong home backing, both in terms of the numbers there and the atmosphere they create. Before the game, there are good food and drink options, pyrotechnics, fireworks, the Catalonia national anthem, and more. They’re proud people, and they make the Brutus feel like a cauldron.

For the away fans, the experience is just as good, with Hull, like Wigan the week before, travelling in good numbers. Clearly, it still resonates strongly with the away fans, who pack out the end, sample the local food and drink, of which there is plenty about, and generally have a good time.

And that’s rain or shine, win or lose, and at any time of the year. Long may that continue – so long as what happens in Perpignan stays in Perpignan.

Leon Pryce in the crowd

Speaking of Hull’s away crowd, there was one notable figure in the mix with his family: Leon Pryce. The former Hull half-back is currently watching son Will Pryce star in the first team, with Pryce putting on a dazzling display with two tries. Both showed his electric pace and footwork – with the player finding his feet in the Hull team.

His dad – also a former player at Catalans – was understandably loving the action and, by all reliable accounts informing the Hull Live team, was joining in with the Old Faithful renditions as passionately as anyone in the away end. Once a Black and White and all that.

PSG street carnage

Sticking with the singing theme, it was hard not to pay attention to the masses of PSG fans around Perpignan’s bars on Saturday night – with the Paris football club beating Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final. Pyrotechnics, fireworks, and the like were doing the rounds on the streets, which were flooded with chanting fans.

There was also riot police out to control the masses, although no trouble was thankfully around, with any lingering disappointment from Catalans’ defeat sounding out by Les Rouge-et-Bleu’s triumph. It was sheer carnage, especially when considering it’s over 500 miles from Paris to Perpignan.

Davy Litten makes statement

One of the big skills of any rugby league player is to put themselves in the picture – and make no mistake about it, Davy Litten did exactly that for Hull in Catalans.

Whether competing for high balls on Hull’s kicks, completing his tackles, supporting breaks, or making them himself, he kept on popping up and making things happen.

The energy and enthusiasm he brought to the table was genuinely infectious – as was his energy in the post-match press conference. He’s fun to be around, calling himself and teammate Will Pryce ‘mad as a box of frogs’, and as a player is growing by the week.

It’s been some return for Litten, who has shaken off a lengthy MCL rehab to take his place in the side, and if he keeps going the way he is, then the sky is the limit.

Also, if there was a stat for metres made on distance to reach celebrations, he’d win it by a mile, still having the energy to sprint over to fans to join the celebrations after his Man of the Match interview. Litten was literally everywhere, no matter what the occasion.

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Hull KR’s Wembley week officially begins today as Saturday’s Challenge Cup final showdown with Warrington Wolves looms larger, with Rovers star man Mikey Lewis hoping to make a big impact in the capital.

The 23-year-old half-back has been a key member in Rovers’ success to date in 2025, helping them to the top of the Super League table with just one loss all season. Lewis, the reigning Man of Steel, has been directly involved in 26 tries in Super League – more than any other player in the competition.

His form was highlighted in a commanding 34-4 win over St Helens in Round 13, a result that provided the perfect springboard into this weekend’s prestigious final. With excitement building, Lewis has spoken of his motivation to deliver silverware for both his family and the club’s supporters – who are set to significantly outnumber their Warrington counterparts.

Lewis also wants to treat the game like any other, with 2025 proving to be a success and Willie Peters’ side favourites to end their trophy-drought.

“It’d mean the world,” said Lewis, when asked what victory at Wembley means. “To my family and these fans who deserve it.

“Loud and proud, but this week’s another game, isn’t it? We have to take them to the full 80 and make sure we’re prepped and ready.”

Challenge Cup 2025 special

Our Challenge Cup 2025 special newspaper is the perfect accompaniment to this year’s big game. Packed full of exclusive interviews with representatives of both Hull KR and Warrington Wolves, we also have features with cup heroes of the past such as Sean Long, Andy Gregory, Martin Offiah and Mal Reily.

We profile Lance Todd, the man little is known about who gives his name to the man of the match award. There’s a look at forgotten cup final venues, ranking the best finals, the best 13 of Lance Todd winners, plus a preview of the 1895 Cup final, women’s Challenge Cup final and Year 7 boys final.

On sale 28th May 2025, but you can pre-order a copy to be sent to your home here.

Saturday’s final will likely pit Lewis against England captain George Williams, who is set to return from ankle surgery after just seven weeks. All signs are leading to a comeback for the 30-year-old, setting the stage for a mouth-watering duel between two of the sport’s most influential playmakers – who have also lined up together on the international stage.

Come Saturday however, Lewis will undoubtedly be focused on his own game.

“I’m feeling good,” Lewis added. “It’s that part of the year where you get little niggles. It’s going well. I’ve just got to keep my head down, keep my feet on the ground and go again.”

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