Hull FC had a true passing of the torch moment this off-season. For the first time in 17 years, they will line up without club legend Danny Houghton, with new recruit Amir Bourouh and rising star Denive Balmforth both getting the nod to lead the hooker position into the future.

And for Balmforth, who joined the club nearly three years ago, there's a real sense of pride. This is his home now, with the 21-year-old ready to kick on and make his mark. Playing 14 times in Super League last season, the Leeds native showed his promise, with the desire now to get to the next level.

Training throughout pre-season, Balmforth returned from an off-season fitness trip to Thailand, where he took part in Muay Thai sessions, in great nick, and that's continued throughout the winter. Buoyed by John Cartwright's impact and the fresh vibe at the club, there's an excitement at what's to come, but there's also a level-headed stance, with the hooker knowing plenty of hard work still lies ahead.

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Reflecting on a breakthrough season last term, he told Hull Live: "It was definitely an eye-opener for me personally; that step up to playing regular Super League game time is tough, and it was a bit of a reality check, but I think it will have done me the world of good. I can now go into this season, hopefully get some more game time, and continue to learn off the back of last year and put my best foot forward.

"I'm really excited for it. The good thing about the battle between me and Amir is that we're two completely different players. We've got that variation of Amir being really strong in defence, and he works really hard, so whoever starts the game, or if I come off the bench and light things up and get things quicker, there's a threat.

"That's something I can pride myself on: coming off the bench and making things quicker and disrupting the play. Hutchie (Will Hutchinson) has also been brilliant this pre-season. There's a really good contrast of the three hookers there."

He continued: "I'm also very grateful to Danny—he was unbelievable with me. The main thing with Danny was just how approachable and nice a person he is. With me being a young lad coming up, at times it can be difficult trying to socially get involved with the lads, but Danny was always the one that was introducing me to people and inviting me to go do things. He was such a down-to-earth and good person. I think that reflects on the success he had on the field. He was a brilliant player, but he's an even better person."

After learning all he can from Houghton, there is clear inspiration in Balmforth, but there's also a drive to be himself and focus on his own game, building on his strengths and establishing himself as a Super League player.

"My running game is what I pride myself on," he continued. "The second it gets half quick, I can go, but a lot of time last year we weren't getting that quick play of the ball for me to do my thing, but I'm confident this year with the big boppers that we've got that I can have a bit of a field day.

"It's not just the middles either; it's the outside backs too. I've been really impressed with Harvey (Barron) and Lewis (Martin) this pre-season. They've put on some size, and out on the training field, they are carving it up. They're getting me a lot of quick play of the balls, and then I can do my thing. With Herman (Ese'ese), Ashy (Jack Ashworth), Ligi (Sao), and all the big boys, hopefully we can all help each other and get a roll on."

And as for his future, there's no secret Balmforth wants to remain with Hull FC, and while stopping short of admitting he has signed a new long-term deal, Hull Live understands that is the case, with the hooker putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.

"I'm pretty happy with how I'm going at the minute," Balmforth added. "Coming from Leeds, I can proudly say that Hull has become my second home now. I'm merging with the people from this city and spending a lot of time here. It means a lot to me, this place—not just representing Hull FC but representing the people that come and support us. It holds a special place in my heart."

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