Managing Hull FC - Recruitment plan in action as club look to prevent 'roadblocks'

Super League’s recruitment window for 2026 is now open, with Hull FC free to speak to all out-of-contract players from other clubs. And make no mistake about it, the club, namely Richie Myler, will already have a plan alongside John Cartwright on how to attack their wheeling and dealing as they look to turn around the Black and Whites' fortunes over the next three years.

But what do we know so far, and where will Hull look to strengthen? Here, Hull Live takes a look at some key recruitment points.

Final pieces for 2025

It's mad to think clubs can now open talks with players out of contract come the end of 2025 when the new season hasn't even started yet, but that's now the case with rugby league amending the previous May 1 rule for Super League clubs. Known as the anti-tampering deadline, clubs can negotiate deals with any player whose contract ends in November 2025 as of this Sunday morning (December 1).

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However, before Hull get to grips with the 2026 market, they are looking to bring in a final jigsaw piece for 2025. They want a middle, as first reported by Hull Live several weeks ago. A middle signing is desired, but it won’t just be any signing. It has to be one that enhances the squad and bolsters Hull’s options, with the club prepared to wait until the new year if need be.

Obviously, there will be an eye on Salford Red Devils' situation too, with the club likely to be forced into player releases in the near future. That could also tempt Hull, who will always have an eye on quality and who have a bit of salary cap space to work with.

Areas of focus

Myler has been very clear in not putting 'roadblocks' in front of the club's promising young players. For instance, Tom Briscoe was brought in last season to help bring on Lewis Martin and Harvey Barron, who it's hoped can take the two wing positions for the next decade. Likewise, there is a real incentive for the likes of Davy Litten to stake a claim at centre, with Ryan Westerman also backed to push through over the next couple of years while Zak Hardaker and Ed Chamberlain hold the fort.

There's a reason Hull made a handful of 30+ signings. They needed experience, granted, with leadership also forthcoming, but they also don’t want to block the pathway for their young talent. The hope is, like Barron and Martin, that the likes of Logan Moy can cement the full-back spot for the next decade, Jack Charles for half-back, and so on. There is a genuine backing of youth, and that won’t stop.

The areas of focus will come from where Myler and Cartwright see fit. Right now, that area is prop; there’s no secret of that, but if something comes up elsewhere that can better the squad, add quality and competition, and help development, then they won’t pass it by.

Age bracket

Hull are keen to add players in their late 20s to their roster for 2026, but again, they are cautious not to block pathways. This is a balance Myler and Cartwright will look to find as the year progresses, identifying where they want to bolster and how, and assessing whether a more senior player is needed while their youth develops. It's early days, but the recruitment market never stops, and Hull will be having these conversations by the day. They will also have an idea of which young players will progress and perhaps where they need to be a little more patient, adding to the squad in the meantime.

Hull’s quota situation

Hull have just one of their current quota players out of contract at the end of next season: Ligi Sao. However, the 32-year-old will come off the quota should Hull opt to offer him an extension.

That applies to all overseas players who have been playing in the UK since 2020, freeing a spot up for Myler and Cartwright to further recruit in. Once more, what direction they go in there will be interesting and once again will be determined by who stands up early doors next year, but it wouldn’t be surprising if an outside back or a further middle was sought.

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