Zak Hardaker believes Hull FC wing duo Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin have 'massive futures' in the game. The Black and Whites' new centre has been impressed with the athleticism of both wingers, with the duo competing with Tom Briscoe for the two edge spots in John Cartwright’s side.

That competition is bringing the best out of everyone, with Hardaker training with all three players this pre-season. He started last week's pre-season game at Castleford Tigers alongside Briscoe, with Barron on the left edge with Jordan Rapana.

However, the 33-year-old has trained with all three players this winter and believes both young wingers, who are locked in a battle for selection, are set to make their marks this year, with Barron still only 21 and Martin even younger at 20.

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Asked how the combinations have been going, Hardaker told Hull Live: "Really good. Harvey has been outside of me most of pre-season, so it's just about tipping him up where he should stand when I have the ball and what I like to do. I know what he likes to do; it's going good, but we haven't really been tested yet.

"Briscoe trains there sometimes as well, and Lewis Martin comes in, but to have two really athletic, six-foot-three/four, good-in-the-air, good-at-reading-the-game wingers, there's not much I can say that is bad about them.

"They're two terrific lads as well. As an experienced player, I try to help all players, but to have two outstanding athletes is good, and I think they have massive futures in the game. Hopefully, we can build something together this year."

Those combinations are being helped by a good connection within the whole squad off the field. Putting an emphasis on the time they spend together, Hull hope the tightness created will show on the field with the resilience, spirit, and the like needed to turn around a disappointing 2024 season this year.

"We've all gelled pretty well," Hardaker continued. "As senior lads, we've tried to mix it up a bit. Hull lads are always going to sit with Hull lads, preferably the same age, etc., but we've mixed it up.

"I sit with Harvey, Lewis, and Logan Moy. We talk about what they've been doing on the weekend, and we have a good laugh.

"It's not been picky whatsoever, and that's been really important for this group. We've all got around each other, experienced and young, and we have a good laugh.

Hardaker added: "I think the lads we've signed, there are no egos, and outside of rugby, everyone sticks pretty much together. There's a real good cohesion, and on the pitch, we've trained pretty well. We're just looking forward to getting out there and giving it a good go."