Rugby League’s new transfer rules may have put Hull FC’s Jack Ashworth on the market this month, but there’s no doubt where he wants his future to be.

Settled at the club, the forward has found a home in Hull—and even though he’s just entered the second season of his original two-year deal, there’s no doubt where he wants to play his rugby in 2026 and beyond.

Still only 29 years old, Ashworth is coming into his peak years, with the prop focused on his goals, which centre around his fitness and making a big impact on the team. Over his thumb and ankle injuries, Ashworth is raring to go, with the player fresh and rejuvenated after a tough pre-season period.

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"If the opportunity comes, definitely, I want to stay," Ashworth told Hull Live. "I really enjoy it in Hull. I like the city, the people in it, my teammates, and the club.

"I'm proud to play for Hull FC and the badge, and I see how much it means to people. It means a lot to me as well. I've not come here for a holiday or anything like that; I'm here to play rugby league, and despite last year, I enjoy playing at this club and with the players that are here."

Ashworth continued: "Last year was a difficult year all round. I'm not particularly happy with my performances. I think I've got a lot more to give and a lot more to show. I always give 100%, and that's what I'm going to do again, but hopefully people see a different side of me, and I can show what I'm really capable of and what I can do.

"For me, it's fitness. I just wasn't fit enough last year, so hopefully this season I can come out onto that field fitter and more ready. I think my attack and defence will come; I can carry the ball well, and I can tackle pretty hard when I want to. It's just the fitness side, so I just need to keep moving and working hard, but I feel good, and the injuries are behind me.

"I know I came back a bit soon from both of them, but I just wanted to be out there and do my best for the team. I've had a good off-season now, a good break, and a good pre-season so far. I'm just looking forward to playing."

Working hard is exactly what Ashworth has done this pre-season. Since day one, the prop has been impressed by new coach John Cartwright, who has created a strong bond within the squad over the last seven weeks.

Asked if it’s been exactly what the Hull squad needed, Ashworth said: “Massively. We all had a bad year last year, but everyone has come in fit and ready and willing to learn. I'm just looking forward to getting started and everyone showing what they're capable of and what they can do.

"It's been tough. It's been a long seven weeks, but there's a good bond with everyone, and everyone has been nailed on in training, and everyone is fit and ready to go and looking forward to starting the season now.

"But yeah, John has really been on the ball with team spirit. He wants to build that connection and that team bond. He wants everyone to be able to sit down and chat and just be around each other. It really shows. Anyone who has been around and seen us, compared to last year, we're a different squad completely."

It’s hoped that togetherness will drive Hull on when the season gets going, with the side focused on hard work and grit, but also enjoyment.

"When kids play sports, the reason you do it is to enjoy it and have fun," Ashworth added. "That's what it's like here; we're bringing the fun back into it. We're still working hard, and we've all got things to work on, but we're coming in, and getting knuckled down.

"It's about doing all the tough stuff, but if you enjoy doing that tough stuff, then you're going to go a long way in the game. That’s what we’re focused on. It’s been really good so far."

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