Hull FC are eyeing up a move for Castleford Tigers man Sam Wood as they look to add to John Cartwright’s outside back ranks for 2026.
The Black and Whites are known to be looking to add a centre to their ranks for next season with John Cartwright confirming as much in a recent press conference. And, Serious About RL understands that Wood is an option they are considering as they look to add depth to the position.
The Castleford man is contracted until the end of the 2026 Super League season at Wheldon Road. However, director of rugby Chris Chester is making big changes heading into next season and he has promised that players who are contracted will be leaving the club.
Wood could well be one of those after what has been an up and down season for him in terms of personal form on the Tigers edge. The 28-year-old served as captain under former head coach Danny McGuire and has made 22 appearances in black and amber this season, with his fourth and most recent try coming last Friday night against Wakefield Trinity.
However, his spot in next year’s side under Ryan Carr is far from certain with Castleford bringing Mikaele Ravalawa and Semi Valemei over from the NRL to add to their outside back ranks and as Chester pointed out in his pre-match press conference last week, both can play centre if needed.
Hull FC are known to have looked into signing Wood in previous seasons and it is believed that the centre still has admirers in the west Hull camp. As such, Wood is seen a potential option as the Black and Whites strive to build their squad and take the next step, if the Tigers are willing to let him go before the end of his contract.
The centre, who can also play on the wing or back-row, is an England international, having represented his country last year against France.
Wood started his career with Huddersfield Giants, emerging through the ranks at the club to spend six years in and around the first-team picture at the Accu Stadium. He joined Hull KR for two seasons in 2022, where he made 33 appearances and he has spent the last two years with Castleford Tigers.
Hull have already been busy ahead of the 2026 season, with signings being made from abroad and elsewhere in Super League. The Black and Whites have announced the signings of Sam Lisone from Leeds Rhinos and Jake Arthur from Newcastle Knights. However, St Helens pair James Bell and James Batchelor have joined the club alongside Wigan Warriors’ Harvie Hill.
