2024 Season Preview: Hull FC

It was another season of inconsistency for Hull FC, one that ended in similar fashion to previous years. Heavy losses on both sides of the Betfred Super League season had meant that they were rarely glimmers of hope of a top six season finish for Tony Smith's men.

There will be lessons learned heading into the 2024 campaign, and the Black and Whites should be hoping to right their wrongs, to avoid being at the wrong end of the table this time out.

It is hard to predict how Hull will get in 2024, but they certainly have the squad depth this time around - 40 players and the biggest squad list in Super League. This is as well as a strategic recruitment drive in key areas, which should see them improve on recent years.

So where exactly will Hull find themselves this season?

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— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) December 31, 2023

Ins & outs

Ins

Herman Ese'ese (Dolphins), Jayden Okunbor (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Franklin Pele (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Jack Walker (Hull KR), Liam Tindall (Leeds Rhinos), Jack Ashworth (Huddersfield Giants), Morgan Smith (Wakefield Trinity), Fa'amanu Brown (Newcastle Knights).

Outs

Adam Swift (Huddersfield Giants), Jake Clifford (North Queensland Cowboys), Chris Satae (Catalans Dragons), Andre Savelio (Huddersfield Giants), Joe Lovodua (Doncaster), Ben McNamara (Leigh Leopards), Connor Wynne (Featherstone Rovers), Jamie Shaul (retired), Scott Taylor (retired), Brad Dwyer (Warrington Wolves), Jude Ferreira (Hunslet). 

Ones to watch

2024 stars

Playmaker and the powerful Fa'amanu Brown will be a key addition to the Hull FC's squad in 2024. The New Zealand international played during their Pacific Championship series win this year and is versatile in playing both in the halves or at hooker. He also comes with a wealth of experience as he has played for four different NRL clubs during his career.

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— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) January 5, 2024

With half-back Jake Clifford's departure to the NRL, Jake Trueman will have more responsibility on his shoulders where leadership is concerned, so could be on for a big year. Trueman was extremely unlucky in 2023 and in recent seasons - sustaining a series of injuries which prevented him from finding his form. Predicted to come back stronger in 2024, Trueman could play a pivotal role in the Hull's halves this year, alongside his new partner Nu Brown.

Next generation

Davy Litten forced his way into the Hull side last year with 15 appearances, so he could also be on for a big season in 2024. The youngster proved to be versatile addition to side in 2023, playing successfully at both wing and full-back.

Defining dates

Losing runs at either end of the year is something the Black and Whites must avoid in 2024, to ensure they are anywhere near in contention for a play-offs place.

Hull need a strong start in 2024, and this will begin with a blockbuster derby against their inner-city rivals, Hull Kingston Rovers in Round 1 - a fixture set to be a sell-out. There is no better way for Tony Smith's men to kick-off the Betfred Super League than on home soil, as they sealed a 16-6 victory against the Robins at the MKM Stadium in 2023. Their Super League derby wins since 2007 are evenly shared between the two sides, with FC winning 24 to the Rovers' 22 of their encounters.

Tickets for the unmissable Betfred Super League R1 Hull Derby are ?? ???? ??? ??

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— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) January 12, 2024

The Black and Whites are then presented with two consecutive home games at the end of the season against Salford Red Devils and Catalans Dragons. These fixtures are included in the five times out of eight Hull FC will have home advantage, as the regular season draws to a close. Could these run of home games have any bearing on a potential play-offs push?

Squad list

1. Tex Hoy, 2. Liam Tindall, 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 4. Liam Sutcliffe, 5. Darnell McIntosh, 6. Jake Trueman, 7. Fa'amanu Brown, 8. Herman Ese'ese, 9. Danny Houghton, 10. Franklin Pele, 11. Jayden Okunbor, 12. Ligi Sao, 13. Brad Fash, 14. Joe Cator, 15. Jordan Lane, 16. Jack Ashworth, 17. Cam Scott, 18. The 18th Man, 19. Morgan Smith, 20. Jack Brown, 21. Will Gardiner, 22. Mitieli Vulkijapani, 23. Davy Litten, 24. Nick Staveley, 25. Harvey Barron, 26. Lewis Martin, 27. Zach Jebson, 28. Denive Balmforth, 29. Charlie Severs, 30. Matty Laidlaw, 31. Jack Walker, 32. Kyle Armstrong, 33. Mackenzie Harman, 34. Damel Diakhate, 35. Jeylan Hodgson, 36. Sully Medforth, 37. Logan Moy, 38. Lennon Bursell, 39. Cobie Wainhouse, 40. Jack Charles.