Hull FC 2022 season preview: New captain as Airlie Birds look to bounce back

Hull have brought in Luke Gale and made him skipper in a bid to change their fortunes in 2022.

They had an alarming drop off last season that Brett Hodgson will be keen not to happen again.

It’s seemingly the age old problem for Hull – they seem to have all the parts on and off the pitch to be a regular top four side, yet just can’t find the consistency of others.

A mini injury crisis is not what they needed ahead of the season’s start, and they’ll face a big battle to make even the top six.

Their pack at its best is a match for anyone, particularly with the recruitment of Kane Evans, and their signings in recent years show a shift in what they want to do in the outside backs.

If Gale and Josh Reynolds, plus full-back Jake Connor, can stay on the pitch more often than not, then Hull might be a force to be reckoned with.

PLAYER: Consistency key for Hull in 2022, says Josh Griffin

Key man

What they said

Brett Hodgson on the changes he wants to see in 2022.

“We want to make sure our best players are on the field. We finished the season last year quite decimated injury wise.

“I think the obvious improvement is consistency at the back end of the year.

“We’re a tighter group now. We’re more willing to work harder for each other because we have better relationships off the field.

“I feel our recruitment has been good. We haven’t brought in a lot of players but the ones we have brought in are contributing very well. At this stage, we’re quite confident going into the new season.”

Hull FC 2022 season preview: Key info

Coach: Brett Hodgson (since November 2020).

Captain: Luke Gale.

In: Luke Gale (Leeds), Darnell McIntosh (Huddersfield), Joe Lovodua (South Sydney), Kane Evans (New Zealand Warriors).

Out: Marc Sneyd (Salford), Mahe Fonua, Bureta Faraimo (both Castleford), Masi Matongo (York).

Hull FC 2022 season preview: squad in full

1. Jake Connor, 2. Adam Swift, 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 4. Josh Griffin, 5. Darnell McIntosh, 6. Josh Reynolds, 7. Luke Gale, 8. Ligi Sao, 9. Danny Houghton, 10. Chris Satae, 11. Andre Savelio, 12. Manu Ma’u, 13. Jordan Lane, 14. Joe Lovodua, 15. Joe Cator, 16. Kane Evans, 17. Brad Fash, 19. Ben McNamara, 20. Jack Brown, 21. Jordan Johnstone, 22. Josh Bowden, 23. Connor Wynne, 24. Cameron Scott, 25. Mitieli Vulikijapani, 26. Marcus Walker, 27. Jacob Hookem, 28. Aiden Burrell, 29. Jamie Shaul, 30. Scott Taylor.

Hull FC odds: Grand Final winners 22/1 (6th equal), Regular season winner 20/1 (6th equal)

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