Without wasting any time, Hull FC has secured their long-term half-back position. With the understanding that the Robins, who have made an approach for the player, will finalise a deal to have the teenager live at the East Hull club next season, it is anticipated that the Black and Whites will lose Jack Charles to Hull KR at the end of the current campaign.
According to what Hull Live understands, FC is certain that they have the players to replace Charles. This confidence stems from within, as young players are supported to grow under players like Aidan Sezer and, if all goes according to plan, succeed the seasoned half-back, who has performed admirably as the team’s captain this season, in the years to come.
Callum Kemp has already committed to a long-term contract with the Black and Whites, who have made significant investments in its junior infrastructure in recent years. The highly regarded teenager agreed to a new and better contract last season prior to making his Super League debut. It is believed that Kemp, who actually chose to remain at Hull rather than join Hull KR, is being supported to take the team’s half-back position in the long run, with a current scholarship player also making an impression.
That player is Kingsley Sharpe, who has agreed to a long-term deal at the club. Hull Live understands that the Black and Whites have moved quickly to secure Sharpe’s future, with the current second-year scholarship half-back impressing many figures within the club, from Head of Youth Richard Tate to CEO Richie Myler, with his performances and conduct this year.
The half-back, who has previously partnered the likes of Josh Horne, son of club legend Richard Horne, at scholarship level, is highly thought of, with the deal understood to cover his two years in the academy, starting next season, and more. He will tour Australia as part of the club’s academy trip in 2027, with the time to develop and the trust placed in him to do so at his own rate and with no pressure on his future.
Elsewhere, Hull Live understands that Caleb Paleaaesina’s future has also been secured long-term. The back rower or centre, son of former Hull prop Feka Paleaaesina, will make the step up to the academy from the scholarship side next year and is backed to make his mark at the Black and Whites, who are confident they have a plethora of young talent to develop – talent that can challenge the club’s first team players in the coming years.
Furthermore, the club signed up the likes of Lloyd Kemp, twin brother of Callum, Will Kirby, and Ryan Westerman last season, with Roman Dawson also contracted at the club for another year. They have also tied down five of their young first-team stars from this season, with Davy Litten, Lewis Martin, Harvey Barron, Denive Balmforth, and Will Hutchinson all signing new deals.
As for new signings, they have signed Sam Lisone, James Bell, Joe Batchelor, Harvie Hill, and Connor Bailey for next season and still have one spot to use on a quota player. The understanding is that it will be used on a new half-back to partner Sezer, with the club’s young players challenge to stake a claim in the year’s to come.
