Hull FC confirms four fresh departures, with 11 players to leave at end of year and stalwart to play in 2024
Hull FC have confirmed that a grand total of 11 players will leave at the end of the year, with four fresh departures announced alongside a new deal for club stalwart Danny Houghton.
Last night, Jamie Shaul made public the decision that he would be hanging up his boots after a decade of service to his boyhood club.
That followed the news that former England international Scott Taylor would be doing the same, with the prop having made close to 300 career appearances.
The quintet of Adam Swift, Jake Clifford, Chris Satae, Andre Savelio, and Brad Dwyer had already been confirmed as departures, leaving boss Tony Smith needing to complete an off-season re-vamp, and today the club confirmed another four players will be heading through the exit door in seven days’ time.
Hull FC will lose 11 players at the end of the year
The two most notable names on the full departure list confirmed on FC’s website this afternoon were Joe Lovodua and Ben McNamara.
Fiji international Lovodua arrived at the MKM Stadium from the NRL ahead of the 2022 season and brought to an end a two-year stay in West Hull.
Meanwhile, McNamara, the son of Catalan Dragons boss Steve, made his senior bow for the Black and Whites in 2020. His departure comes with speculation raging about his future, with the Leigh Leopards showing an interest in signing the 21-year-old for 2024.
Elsewhere, an already ostracised Connor Wynne isn’t in Tony Smith’s plans and adds to the list of departures after 36 appearances for the Black and Whites. He has spent this season on loan in the Championship with relegated Newcastle Thunder and Bradford Bulls.
And rounding off the list of those heading for the exit door of the MKM Stadium is youngster Jude Ferreira. The centre appeared for the London Broncos last term but hasn’t managed to make a breakthrough at FC.
Club legend Houghton to play on in 2024
In more positive news for those of an FC persuasion, the club have also confirmed that stalwart Danny Houghton will play on into an 18th season in 2024, penning a one-year contract extension with his hometown club.
The hooker will turn 35 later this month, and having signed for the Black and Whites from amateur side East Hull, he made his senior bow back in 2007.
Former captain Houghton was one of, if not the standout, players for FC in their memorable 2016 season. Making a try-saving tackle late on under the arch, he helped Hull to a Challenge Cup triumph and a first-ever Wembley win for the club in the process.
In the same year as they finished the regular season at the top of the Super League, Houghton won the Man of Steel award as well as being named to the Dream Team alongside five other teammates.
On penning his new deal, he told the club’s website: “I’ve still got that fire in my belly to keep improving, both on a personal level and as a group. It’s exciting to be part of this transitional period.
