The wait is finally over! Hull FC is back on the field, and the buzz is palpable as they gear up for their first match of the year against formidable Super League rivals, the Huddersfield Giants!
Good afternoon, and a warm welcome to our ongoing coverage of Hull FC! After what feels like an eternity, the Black and Whites are set to make their triumphant return this Sunday afternoon. They're not just facing any team; it's a clash against fellow Super League contenders, the Huddersfield Giants, marking their inaugural game of the season.
While this might be a pre-season fixture, there's certainly a lot at stake for John Cartwright's squad. And for a true club stalwart, Brad Fash, it's an even more special occasion. Yesterday, he celebrated his 30th birthday, and today marks his well-deserved testimonial match. Having debuted back in the 2015 season, this prop forward has dedicated over a decade to the club, amassing nearly 200 appearances. He embodies the very spirit of Hull FC – he's as 'black and white' as they come and truly deserves this moment of recognition.
But the excitement doesn't stop there! Hull FC will be showcasing four new signings against the Giants: Sam Lisone, Harvie Hill, Connor Bailey, and Arthur Romano will all be making their debut runs. They'll be joined by a squad predominantly featuring youth talent, offering a fantastic platform for some bright, up-and-coming players to shine and make their mark.
As always, we'll be bringing you all the pre-match build-up, live action as it unfolds, and all the post-match analysis straight from Brantingham Park. Get ready, because the Black and Whites are officially up and running in 2026!
Key Events & Updates:
- 12:41: The Huddersfield Team is revealed.
- 12:30: Crucial team news is announced.
14:00 - Daniel Tomlinson: The teams are officially out!
Hull FC will be sporting a special testimonial shirt for Brad Fash, while Huddersfield will be donning their classic claret and gold.
13:56 - Daniel Tomlinson: All set and ready to go at Brantingham Park!
The teams are currently being awaited.
13:38 - Daniel Tomlinson: A special moment for the testimonial man!
Brad Fash is present and looking sharp at Brantingham Park.
13:15 - Daniel Tomlinson: A golden opportunity for Hull FC's youth!
Young talents like Rio Kassim are starting at centre, with Jon Turner set to feature off the bench. Coach John Cartwright shared his thoughts amidst a growing club commitment to nurturing homegrown talent:
"They're both big lads but they've got great attitudes, they work hard, and they both want to play for Hull. Those are the qualities I see in them. They've got size, skill, and great attitudes – that's the prerequisite if you want to play for this club. Those two boys have come in and done good jobs for us. It's a credit to the club for deciding that we want to try and produce as many players as we possibly can from within. They are on a very good programme here at scholars and academy level. We may not see a real benefit from that work until two or so more years, but the work is going on in that area."
13:00 - Daniel Tomlinson: Just one hour until kick-off!
Brantingham Park is beginning to fill up with enthusiastic fans.
12:51 - Daniel Tomlinson: Players are arriving!
A significant day for Hull's emerging stars. Here are Will Hutchinson and Joe Ward making their entrance.
12:50 - Daniel Tomlinson: The boss has arrived!
Head Coach John Cartwright makes his way to Brantingham Park.
12:41 - KEY EVENT: The Huddersfield Team lineup is confirmed:
* Starting XIII: 21. George Flanagan, 30. Roman Sharma, 3. Taane Milne, 19. Liam Sutcliffe, 24. Connor Carr; 27. Marshall Land, 35. Lewis Jagger; 14. Fenton Rogers, 18. Kieran Rush, 17. Joe Greenwood; 23. Jack Billington, 26. Archie Sykes; 20. Mathieu Cozza
* Interchange: 10. Thomas Burgess, 15. Matty English, 16. George King, 25. Jacob Algar, 29. Monty Lumb, 33. Tom Hardy, 34. Alex Chippindale, 36. Woody Potter, 37. Zach Brown
12:30 - KEY EVENT: Hull FC's Team News is here!
Here is the lineup for the Black and Whites today:
* Starting XIII: 1. Lloyd Kemp; 2. Elliot Middlemas, 3. Arthur Romano, 4. Rio Kasim, 5. Joe Ward; 6. Connor Bailey, 7. Callum Kemp; 8. Sam Lisone, 9. Will Hutchinson, 10. Harvie Hill; 11. Will Kirby, 12. Matty Laidlaw; 13 Brad Fash
* Interchange: 14. Yusuf Aydin, 15. Hugo Salabio, 16. Jon Turner, 17. Jordon Baker, Will Wilson, Finlay Davies, Kieran Calvert, Alistair Swyer, Caleb Paleaaesina, Tyler Eccles
12:28 - Daniel Tomlinson: Update from the park.
12:00 - Daniel Tomlinson: Simon Grix previews today's game.
"We’ve worked on all aspects of our game over the off season and this is our first opportunity to put it all together. This week we've got a mix; there's some Super League experience and some young boys who are having their first go in amongst it. We just want to see them compete hard and try to implement what we've been practising in training. The result is we want to win every game we go out to play, and especially with it being Fashy's testimonial, but as coaches, we'll be looking at the detail of it, how we finish our sets, and the process we use to get the ball from A to B. We're just really looking forward to seeing the lads get out there and then fast forward to Wigan next week; that takes us closer to the season and we'll have a few more boys in for then. We're building nicely towards that Challenge Cup game, but the general objective of your friendlies is to get some match speed into you and see where you're at in all areas. We’re really looking forward to it."
12:00 - Daniel Tomlinson: John Cartwright shares his thoughts on Fash.
"You've got to admire anyone who has played that long. To do it at his junior club, he was a West Hull kid and he came through that system, and then to spend ten years plus at one club, it's a huge feat and a great achievement. We're looking forward to celebrating the year with him. He's a real pro and he goes about his business and doesn't make a big song and dance about things. He looks after himself and he trains very hard. He gets the best out of himself and as a coach, that's all you can ask."
12:00 - Daniel Tomlinson: It's Brad Fash’s big day!
Today is dedicated to honouring the immense service of the club's longest-serving player. Since his debut in 2015, Fash has proudly represented the club in nearly 200 matches, embodying the very essence of Hull FC. He is a true 'black and white' through and through and has consistently given 100% during his tenure.
His teammates clearly hold him in high regard. First-team centre Davy Litten shared his sentiments with Hull Live this month:
"He's definitely done his bit. He's a legend of a bloke is Fashy, I wouldn't tell him that to his face, but he's a great bloke. He's gone through a tough time at the club, going from 2016 and 2017 and being cup winners to the past few years, it's not been easy, and he's copped some unfair criticism, but again, he's a legend of a bloke. He's a typical West Hull lad, he can't even spell his name right, but he's doing well. I think he was a bit worried when Laney left. Someone has left him every year. He was part of the Fridge Crew, him, Laney, and Browny, but he's just soaked it all up and he's now a very valued and experienced member of the team. He's a person to go to when you need a bit of help. He's a great bloke and hopefully his testimonial gets him a bit of cash."
12:00 - Daniel Tomlinson: The atmosphere is building!
It's a chilly day in Elloughton, with kick-off scheduled for 2 PM. Team news will be with you shortly, so stay tuned!
But here's where it gets interesting: Is a testimonial match purely a celebration, or does it also serve as a crucial proving ground for players on the fringes? While Brad Fash's incredible service is undeniable, the inclusion of so much youth talent suggests a dual purpose for this fixture. And this is the part most people miss: the pressure on these young players to perform in a high-stakes environment, even a friendly, can be immense. Do you think these pre-season games are more about the occasion, or about solidifying spots for the upcoming season?
What are your thoughts on the importance of player loyalty in modern sport? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your agreement or disagreement!
