What happens next to Hull’s departing stars?
Hull FC released nine players at the end of the Super League season as preparations begin for the 2021 campaign. It was a turbulent year but the Black and Whites came close to reaching a Grand Final last month, only to lose out to Wigan in the play-off semi-finals.
The club will hope to go one better next season under Brett Hodgson, who is on his way to East Yorkshire to begin work later this week, and with room in the squad he’ll look to make his own stamp on things with a number of new signings.
With that in mind, the Mail takes a look at what’s next for those who have departed the KCOM Stadium.
Ratu Naulago
The winger was a real crowd pleaser during his time with the Black and Whites and scored 23 tries in 34 games.
However, the 29-year-old always had aspirations of playing rugby union and when Bristol Bears came calling, FC didn’t stand in his way.
He joined up with the Premiership club and trained with his new team-mates for the first time last week and he’ll have high hopes of making his debut for the club sooner rather than later.
Naulago isn’t short of competition on the wing with international wingers Luke Morahan and Alapati Leiua also in the Bristol ranks, but he’ll hope to make an impact as the season progresses.
Kieran Buchanan
The outside back touched down three times in his 13 senior appearances for the Black and Whites but found himself looking for a new club after being told he would not be offered a new deal.
Buchanan has since signed for Championship side Batley Bulldogs where he will hope to kick on, progress as a player and help the West Yorkshire club come out of a difficult year on a real high.
Liam Harris
Harris spent two and a half years at Hull FC and made 11 appearances but his most recent one came in 2018.
The half-back spent time away from the club with Doncaster and York City Knights before joining Halifax on loan just before the global pandemic brought a halt to the Championship. Nevertheless, Harris will stay with Simon Grix’s side for next season having penned a one-year deal and he’ll be keen to showcase his talents.
Gareth Ellis
Ellis called time on his playing career last month after 21 seasons playing at the highest level.
He hasn’t actually left the club, though, with the 39-year-old being offered a coaching role for the 2021 campaign. He’ll work as an assistant under new boss Hodgson and alongside Kieron Purtill.
Ryan Johnson
Johnson was highly rated at the KCOM but never made a senior appearance before his official release last week.
The outside back will link up with Championship side Sheffield Eagles next season where he will play alongside fellow FC academy products Harry Tyson-wilson, Connor Bower, Anthony Thackeray and Scott Wheeldon.
Charlie Patterson-lund
The back-rower spent plenty of time around the first team at the KCOM Stadium and was named in a number of 21-man squads this season but never made it out onto the field for his senior debut. At present his future remains unknown as he finds himself looking for a new club.
Albert Kelly
The half-back left the Black and Whites in October after it became
clear his hamstring injury was season-ending.
Kelly, who spent four seasons with Hull as a player, has since moved back to Australia and he is currently on trial with Brisbane Broncos.
The 29-year-old hasn’t featured in the NRL since moving to the Super League in 2015 but he’ll be hopeful of landing one last shot at playing in the sport’s premier competition.
Charlie Graham
The winger joined the club in 2018 after impressing while playing rugby union with Wharfedale and Yorkshire under-20s.
Unfortunately, despite featuring regularly for the club’s reserves, he never made a senior appearance for the Black and Whites and he’ll look to continue his career elsewhere.
Lewis Bienek
Bienek arrived from London Broncos in 2018 with a healthy reputation after impressing in the Championship.
However, he struggled to make an impact at the KCOM and he leaves the club having made eight appearances.
The Ireland international will hope for more first-team chances at Castleford Tigers next season having signed an initial one-year deal with the West Yorkshire side.