Denive Balmforth future, Hull’s John Asiata stance, Solomona Faataape latest and more – the latest Hull FC notebook.
10:38, 03 Aug 2026Updated 13:07, 03 Aug 2026
Hull FC players celebrate a try
Hull FC are still waiting for the first domino to fall in terms of 2027 recruitment but there are one or two bits still in the works. Here is the latest notebook.
Denive Balmforth is set to stay at Hull FC
Hull Live understands Denive Balmforth will return to Hull FC upon the expiry of his season-long loan deal at York Knights.
The North Yorkshire outfit, led by head coach Mark Applegarth, are big admirers of Balmforth and last month expressed a desire to sign him permanently. However, despite speculation suggesting otherwise, the player’s future is set to remain at his parent club.
The hooker signed a long-term deal at the Black and Whites in 2025, with that deal still having two years to run until the end of 2028. And Hull Live understands the lively dummy half will get the chance to fight for his spot in 2027 under new head coach Steve McNamara.
Of course, Hull have signed Catalans Dragons hooker Alrix Da Costa for the 2027 season, with Balmforth seemingly set to work in tandem with the French international.
The dynamics of that partnership certainly work on paper, with Da Costa more attritional and able to set the tone early on before Balmforth adds an injection of pace from the bench with his running game.
The 22-year-old has been ever-present for York this season, playing in all 24 games, scoring seven tries, and impressing many figures with his performances. It’s hoped he can really kick on now at Hull next season and take the next step of his career.
John Asiata is going nowhere
There has been some speculation regarding John Asiata’s future at Hull FC. However, Hull Live understands the player is going nowhere and will see out the third year of his contract in 2027.
Asiata is currently in rehab following a devastating hamstring injury back on Good Friday. However, Hull are backing the 33-year-old to hit his stride again next year after he completes a full pre-season under McNamara and with a new set of backroom staff helping to get him fit and firing again.
Of course, there’s no doubting Asiata’s quality when he’s out on the field and how he just falls into shape, seemingly so effortlessly, is second to none, but keeping him fit and available is key.
On that front, it’s worth noting that incoming conditioner Jimmy McDaniel has done previous work specialising in hamstrings. The former Rovers man could yet be the most important signing the club makes for next season – with no stone being left unturned in performance departments.
Solomona Faataape latest
The swap deal involving Catalans Dragons centre Solomona Faataape and Hull hooker Amir Bourouh is very much in the works. It’s not completed yet, but there is a strong desire to make it happen, although the logistics aren’t straightforward.
It’s a move that makes sense for Hull. As above, Da Costa and Balmforth could be an intriguing hooker partnership. And Faataape is the strike centre Hull need – and one they ironically could have signed before he even joined Catalans. As the old saying goes, better late than never.
Where are Hull looking to strengthen?
Recruitment and retention is a 24/7 thing and can change depending on what’s available, but as it stands, Hull Live understands the club are looking to bring in a spine player to add depth to the Bailey Hodgson, Will Pryce, and Jake Arthur combination; an outside back (Faataape); and a forward or two.
A common frustration this year is how easily Hull have been rolled down the middle of the field, and two robust forward signings that suit the modern-day game, who can play up to the new speeds, and who can dominate the middle, would really help negate that.
Matty Laidlaw features on loan
Hull FC prop Matty Laidlaw featured on loan for Championship outfit Hunslet on Sunday afternoon. The Leeds-based side defeated Dewsbury Rams 30-20, with the 22-year-old starting the game in the front row.
Elsewhere, Hull’s academy were defeated 50-6 away at Warrington Wolves on Wednesday night. The club’s women side were also heavily defeated on the road, losing 78-4 at Manchester Lionesses (Swinton). The Wheelchair side were also beaten 64-20 by Edinburgh Eagles.
