In a highly anticipated move, Hull FC has unveiled their 21-man roster set to face off against Salford RLFC in the upcoming Challenge Cup clash on Friday.
As we dive into this exciting matchup, it's essential to consider the strength of the squad that head coach John Cartwright has assembled. This roster comes after a rigorous pre-season, during which the team engaged in two trial matches, and now, the Black and Whites are ready to kickstart their competitive season. Notably, club captain Aidan Sezer is included in the lineup, marking his return to action after undergoing shoulder surgery during the off-season.
Sezer’s presence is bolstered by his new half-back partner, Jake Arthur, who is one of six fresh signings for the 2026 season making an appearance in the squad. Fans can expect to see both players stepping onto the field together for their official debuts. Additionally, newcomers Joe Batchelor, Harvie Hill, Sam Lisone, Arthur Romano, and Connor Bailey round out the list of new faces eager to make a mark in this crucial game.
The lineup also features several familiar names, including Will Pryce, Zak Hardaker, Jed Cartwright, and Cade Cust, all of whom have successfully recovered from surgeries in the off-season. They will be joined by other key players such as Harvey Barron, Davy Litten, Amir Bourouh, and Ligi Sao. Young back Lloyd Kemp is also included, along with Matty Laidlaw, who is clear to play following a recent head injury assessment against Huddersfield Giants.
On the flip side, Hull FC will be without some notable players this time around. Lewis Martin, who recently committed to a five-year contract ensuring his stay until the end of the 2030 season, will be rested. Furthermore, Liam Knight is unavailable due to ongoing evaluations related to his head injury recovery. The team also continues to cope with injuries to Herman Ese'ese (Achilles), James Bell (knee), Logan Moy (calf), Joe Phillips (leg), Joe Ward (ACL), and Roman Dawson (ACL). John Asiata is under management for a hamstring issue and will not be risked for this match.
For those curious about the complete squad, here it is:
1. Will Pryce, 2. Harvey Barron, 3. Davy Litten, 4. Zak Hardaker, 6. Jake Arthur, 7. Aidan Sezer, 9. Amir Bourouh, 10. Harvie Hill, 11. Joe Batchelor, 12. Jed Cartwright, 14. Cade Cust, 16. Sam Lisone, 18. Ligi Sao, 19. Tom Briscoe, 20. Yusuf Aydin, 21. Arthur Romano, 22. Connor Bailey, 23. Brad Fash, 25. Matty Laidlaw, 26. Hugo Salabio, 32. Lloyd Kemp.
