Liam Watts has a new club for the 2026 season, while he has opened up on his future plans post-playing.
Former Hull FC prop Liam Watts has a new club for 2026.(Image: SW PIX)
Veteran prop Liam Watts will continue his playing career in the Championship this year after agreeing a deal with Goole Vikings.
The 35-year-old adds vast experience to Scott Taylor’s squad for 2026, arriving with close to 400 professional appearances following stints with Castleford Tigers, Hull KR and Hull FC.
Watts is a two-time Challenge Cup winner and former Super League Dream Team member, and links up with Goole on the eve of the 2026 Championship season.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started and getting in and around Scott and the boys,” said Watts. “It seem like a really tight-knit group.
“The club has done so well over the last year from a standing start, so it’s an exciting challenge in the Championship to help them continue to grow and see where we can take them – and hopefully get some wins on the board in 2026.
“I played with Scott and I know how committed he is as a person and a player, so to be playing under him will be a great opportunity. It’ll be interesting to see how far he’s come from playing into coaching, something I’d like to do myself down the track once I retire.”
Watts returned to the MKM Stadium in 2025 for a second stint with the Black and Whites, later leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Goole Vikings meanwhile open their new season on January 18 against Keighley Cougars.
On his latest addition, head coach Taylor commented: “Liam is a huge addition for us and a real boost to the squad ahead of the new season.
“He’s someone we know very well, a number of people around the club have worked with him before and we know exactly what we’re getting.
“We’ve been patient with our recruitment and we identified the need to add experience and a pack leader who can bring leadership and raise those around him if the right player became available. Liam fits that profile perfectly, having played Super League just a few months ago.”