Hull dozen who must earn deals in 2022
TWELVE FC PLAYERS WHO WILL BE OUT OF CONTRACT
Hull FC confirmed their final renewal of the off-season last week as Ligi Sao’s two-year deal was announced. That deal was revealed just a couple of hours after the Black and Whites had confirmed Masi Matongo had left the club in order to sign for York City Knights.
As such, all eyes are fully focused on next season and it seems the club have some big decisions to make regarding the futures of key players.
Co-captains Danny Houghton and Marc Sneyd are entering the final years of their contracts, as are big names such as Josh Reynolds, Jamie Shaul and Manu Ma’u.
The club will be keen to tie down several names on the list below, but they’ll be thinking long and hard about others and the future direction they wish to go in.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the 12 contract decisions the FC hierarchy will have to make in 2022.
Marc Sneyd
The half-back has played such a key role since joining ahead of the 2015 season but the three-year deal he penned in 2019 is coming to an end.
His form was up and down last year and he’ll be looking to prove a point by impressing in pre-season and hitting the ground running as the new campaign gets underway.
Jordan Johnstone
The future of Johnstone is already up in the air. The hooker was one of a number of players offered to other clubs over the off-season and with FC bringing in Joe Lovodua, he will find game time hard to come by should he stay.
Cameron Scott
The centre caught the eye towards the end of the campaign as he found a rhythm on the left edge, combining nicely with Adam Swift. Any decision might well depend on how he progresses this season, but he’ll be determined to make FC’S verdict an easy one by carrying his form into the new season.
Josh Bowden
Bowden was another made available after struggling for form once more.
The forward has attracted interest but a deal hasn’t been struck just yet and he will no doubt be assessing his options over the coming weeks and months.
Jordan Lane
Lane was one of Hull’s most consistent performers this year, starring for the club either through the middle as a looseforward or as a second-rower.
His contract situation is bound to attract attention from around the competition and FC will undoubtedly be making his contract one of their priorities as 2022 approaches.
Danny Houghton
The hooker penned a two-year deal at the end of the 2020 season and that is due to expire at the end of next year.
His experience and nous has been important for a number of years and he’ll be keen to extend his stay.
Joe Lovodua
The Fiji international only penned a oneyear deal after agreeing a switch from
South Sydney Rabbitohs over the offseason. He’ll be keen to impress and secure his long-term future.
Josh Reynolds
The half-back’s first season in East Yorkshire was a testing one as illness and injuries ensured he struggled to produce his best in Hull colours.
FC have an option of another year on his contract, whether they take it or not will depend on his form this season.
Manu Ma’u
Ma’u penned a one-year contract extension this year and the Tonga international will hope to carry his fine form into next season.
Jamie Shaul
Shaul has a point to prove over pre-season as he competes for a place within Brett Hodgson’s side. The head coach favours Jake Connor for the full-back role and it seems Shaul could be battling for a spot elsewhere in the side when he returns for pre-season.
Connor Wynne
After undergoing surgery on a knee injury, Wynne is expected to miss a sizeable chunk of pre-season.
However, he’ll be determined to catch the eye this year and extend his time at the club for another season at least.
Mitieli Vulikijapani
Extending the Fijian’s contract by another season was a smart call by FC as he showcased his potential during his limited time on the field.
Whether he extends his stay with Hull beyond the end of the season will depend on his progression, though, no doubt.