It was apparent to most Hull FC fans that the 2025 squad needed another prop and centre to add more depth and competition for places, and here we are, with said prop signed in Hugo Salabio and an outside back now shaping up in the form of Deon Cross.

It’s astute business and exactly what was needed. Salabio just gives that pack a slightly chunkier feel with Cross, a dependable Super League player, a shrewd signing should Hull get the deal done with Salford Red Devils, who are expected to release players in the wake of their latest financial crisis. On that front, there is a bit to go, but it would certainly cap off a recruitment cycle that at times has been frustrating but that all in all is looking a lot better than it did twelve months ago.

After the setbacks of Lachlan Lam, who opted to remain with Leigh Leopards over a huge contract offer at the Black and Whites, and Tristan Sailor, who chose St Helens over Hull, the club, led by Richie Myler, signed two players that coach John Cartwright knows inside out: Aidan Sezer and Jordan Rapana. They are two experienced and seasoned pros that mix in well with domestic recruitment Zak Hardaker, Oliver Holmes, Ed Chamberlain, Jordan Abdull, and Amir Bourouh. Add in Cade Cust and, most significantly of all, John Asiata, and it doesn’t look all too bad.

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Experience has certainly been added, along with leadership with big personalities at the table who know what it takes and who can set the standard. That’s what Hull have lacked with the hope such components can make them a more competitive side next year.

Compare that with what came in last year's cycle: a hooker signed to play half and an outside back signed to play back row, not to mention players that have since left for the Championship, both domestic and overseas, and it’s night and day. It was almost like Hull FC’s previous recruitment process entailed a two-minute highlight reel and a swift decision after...

That’s not an indictment on the players, but the direction and resource of those then making the decisions. Now, in the shape of Myler, what Hull have is modern-day knowledge and experience. The club’s director of rugby knows what this generation of players are like having played alongside or against most figures. He also has his contacts, and most importantly, he puts the club first. He knows what’s required and has identified the traits and positions needed while buying into the club’s long-term goal of bringing through their own players, with no long-term roadblocks placed in front of them. It’s a plan with vision. It’s refreshing.

That’s not to suggest that every signing will be right, and of course, in the midst of a rebuild, there's a way to go before Hull can dine at the top table again, but the signings are all certainly in the club’s best interests. Salabio is exactly that—a hungry player with all the physical attributes and a chance now to prove himself. The same would go for Cross in a position where Hull aren’t exactly spoilt for choice. It would be a very handy addition, one that would also keep other players on their toes as they fight for spots in Cartwright’s matchday squads. Here’s hoping they can pull it off.

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