Next season, Danny Houghton may tie for the second-highest appearance-maker in Hull FC history. The September 35-year-old club icon has made 436 appearances for the Black and Whites throughout his career.
Houghton, who signed a one-year contract extension to continue his career with Hull into his eighteenth season, is presently ranked fifth with nine appearances behind Tommy Harris (445), fifteen behind Harold Bowman (451), and twenty-three behind Mick Scott (459). Next year, he has to play 24 games to take first place, with Ned Rogers holding the club record with 500 games played.
Houghton, on the other hand, made his Hull debut back in 2007 against the London Broncos’ Harlequins. Since then, he has appeared frequently in every season, which is a real credit to his endurance, tenacity, effort, and dedication. He has participated in 88% of Hull’s games since making his debut. In reality, he has only missed 57 games in almost 500 games played. It’s an incredible accomplishment.
Naturally, as Houghton disclosed to Hull Live last month, 2024 will most likely be his last season as a professional player. Under Tony Smith, he is looking to go out on a high note.
Houghton, a hometown hero, won the Challenge Cup in both 2016 and 2017. His play “Tackle 52” became a landmark in Hull history and even had its own beer during his testimonial year. In addition, he received the Man of Steel award in 2016—a period when Super League players cast their votes rather than using a point system—and he has won the Hitman title for the most tackles five times.
Houghton is Hull’s top appearance maker of the Super League era, which should come as no surprise. In addition, he has participated in the most Hull derby matches of any player. As a result, he now has a real opportunity of surpassing or possibly breaking club records in 2024.
Hull FC Top Ten Appearance Makers:
1st – Edward ‘Ned’ Rogers, 500
2nd – Mick Scott, 459
3rd – Harold Bowman, 451
4th – Tommy Harris, 445
5th – Danny Houghton, 436
6th – Joe Oliver, 426
7th – Johnny Whiteley, 418
8th – Ivor Watts, 412
9th – Brian Hancock, 411
10th – Eddie Caswell, 401
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