Hull FC’s rising young talent came to the fore in 2024. They were the shining light in an otherwise forgettable season, but while we all know the promise of Logan Moy, Harvey Barron, Lewis Martin, etc. after breakthrough years, what lies beneath them?
Of course, some insight into that was given last October, with Hull confirming a new Elite Talent Group of 13 players for the 2025 season. Some of those talents are well-known having already debuted for Hull last year, and others will be looking to impress in pre-season and follow suit this year.
That’s the challenge for Hull—to keep bringing through talent year after year and not only debut them but make them the cornerstones of the side. That’s a process that takes time, and it’s one this club has yet to truly crack, but it’s one they have certainly made some significant strides with, with a third consecutive fourth-place finish in the academy championship to boot. Here, Hull Live looks at that Elite Talent Group, with an XIII ironically forming.
Full-back: Lloyd KempThe twin brother of recent first-team debutant Callum Kemp, Lloyd is a talented young player in his own right. He is a reliable full-back who can also double up as a centre, with his ability to come into the attacking line and set up tries alongside his fellow twin notable last year. Some say it’s almost telepathic.
Wingers: Joe Ward & Roman DawsonOne thing Hull’s young outside backs have an abundance of is pace. Ward and Dawson are no different. In fact, the latter, who can also play in the centre, has a ridiculous try record at academy and reserve level over the last two years, despite spending the majority of last season out with an ACL injury. Ward, too, is no slouch. Hailing from Leeds, he impressed for the reserves last year and now has a big opportunity to kick on in 2025.
Centres: Ryan Westerman & Ben JohnsonWesterman made his first team debut in the final round of last season and showed glimpses of his style and skill set. He’s a proper winger’s centre, creating a link with another talent in Elliot Middlemas with his ability to catch and pass and put his partner into space. Westerman always looks to get on the outside as well and beat his opposite man. He’s a promising player, with Johnson too a highly rated talent who can play pretty much anywhere across the back line. That versatility served him well last season with the reward of a place in the elite talent group.
Half-backs: Jack Charles & Callum KempNot even in his wildest dreams would Charles have expected to play 17 times for Hull’s first team last year, but here we are. That experience will do him the world of good as well, with another young half in Kemp debuting in the final round. These two are the perfect six-and-seven combo as well and suit each other’s games. They’ve previously played together at scholarship, academy, and reserve levels. How long until first-team? Time will tell.
Middles: Cobie Wainhouse, Owen Haldenby & Jordon BakerCobie Wainhouse is already well known after a strong 2023 season, one that cruelly ended with a ruptured ACL. He was on the verge of a first-team debut at the time and probably would have made it if not for the blow. However, there’s the hope after a strong comeback that it only delayed the inevitable. He’s another highly regarded player with plenty of power and fight. Elsewhere, Haldenby has had a strong second academy year, and Baker has something of a rags-to-riches story. He didn’t make one academy appearance in 2023 but was given a shot in the first game of 2024 and didn’t look back. As per Francis Cummins’ interview with Hull Live, Baker, who also played in the reserves, rose to become one of the side’s strongest forwards every week and was then rewarded with a new deal. A great story.
Hooker: Will HutchinsonAlongside Charles and Westerman, dynamic hooker Hutchinson played for England academy last summer. That shows his promise, and he’s another talent that many at Hull have high hopes on. He’s developing into a smart player, one full of pace and energy, but also one who recognises how the opposition are tactically lining up and what he can do to counter it. He was close to debuting last season and is certainly one to watch this year.
Back rows: Lennon Clark & Will KirbyClark has been rewarded for a strong year with a place in Hull’s ETG, with Will Kirby another rising forward who made his Super League earlier debut last year.
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