The latest Hull FC notebook.
12:36, 18 Aug 2025Updated 12:46, 18 Aug 2025
Hull FC’s Lewis Martin on his way to scoring a try.
Hull FC picked up their 15th victory of the 2025 season against Leigh Leopards on Saturday evening, with Lewis Martin scoring his 28th try of the year to keep up the side’s push for a top six finish.
The Black and Whites remain in sixth position with five rounds to go – with St Helens up next on Friday night. Elsewhere, the reserves, women’s and wheelchair sides were all in action over the weekend, with Hull players also on loan and playing on dual reg in the Championship. Here is the latest notebook.
Hull’s youth shines again
While Lloyd Kemp earned his plaudits for an encouraging Super League debut, Hull FC’s fellow outside backs were on point in victory against Leigh Leopards. In fact, when Kemp came on, the entire back five was club produced – with Davy Litten and Tom Briscoe in the centres and Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin on the wings.
And it was Barron and Martin who came in for praise again after strong displays. They both got over the try line but it’s their overall game that impressed John Cartwright, in particular their ability to play tough every week.
Asked about Martin’s winner post-match, Cartwright said: “He plays tough. He gets belted around every week – opposition teams know he’s good out of the backfield, so they gang up on him.
“But both he and Harvey keep getting us going forward. They play with injuries; they play wounded; they probably don’t get the credit for how tough they’re playing.”
And on potential England selection, Cartwright added: “The big job for them is to stay level-headed, stay humble, keep working hard, and opportunities will come for them. If you look at the raw numbers and stats, they’re up there with the very best. I don’t know what the England selectors are looking for and they’re pretty well stocked with experience in those roles.”
1,500 and counting
Saturday’s win was also a special occasion for Hull FC fan Kevin Deighton, who saw his 1,500th consecutive match. Kev’s run started in 1980 against Halifax and he’s been at every game since – including four Challenge Cup final wins and the 1991 Premiership triumph. A remarkable run.
St Helens await
There’s no rest for the wicked, as they say, with Hull facing St Helens on Friday night. They could come against two new 2026 signings in Joe Batchelor and James Bell, who both returned to the side after injuries on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Saints have won eight of their last nine fixtures and currently sit third in Super League. They could go second with victory, with Hull having it all to do on Merseyside. A huge game awaits, with updates to come on John Asiata and Will Pryce, who both limped off during Saturday’s win against Leigh. Asiata tweaked his hamstring, with John Cartwright saying, ‘It doesn’t look good,’ after the game. Pryce has a foot injury.
Reserves beaten
Hull FC’s reserves were defeated 40-6 by a strong Wakefield Trinity side on Saturday afternoon. It was the Black and Whites’ final reserves fixture of the season, with Elliot Middlemas scoring their one and only try. Jack Charles kicked the conversion. They have won seven of their dozen fixtures this year and sit fourth in the table.
Logan Moy shines on dual reg
Hull FC trio Logan Moy, Matty Laidlaw, and Will Gardiner all featured for Doncaster against Featherstone Rovers on Sunday. Moy started the game on the wing and scored two tries, with Laidlaw playing at loose-forward and Gardiner off the bench.
On dual reg, Jack Rampton also scored one try for Hunslet against Halifax. The Leeds-based side were defeated 48-10, with Ryan Westerman also featuring after completing a two-game suspension.
Women win
Hull FC women defeated Bradford Bulls 20-6 in their penultimate Championship fixture on Sunday afternoon. The Black and Whites’ tries came through Poppy Lyon, Alyx Worth, Ruby Ellis, and Kahnye Faraimo. Abby Price kicked two goals. However, the game was halted a few minutes early due to an injury to Hull forward Grace Williamson. Best wishes to her.
The women’s side play their final fixture of the season at home to London Broncos on Sunday 31 August. They have won three of their nine league games so far this year.
Wheelchair side beaten
Hull FC lost out to London Roosters 30-26 on Sunday afternoon. The Black and Whites trailed 18-12 at half-time, with London holding on in the second half.