Danny Houghton and Joe Cator will split the hooker position for Hull FC against Wigan Warriors, according to confirmation from Tony Smith. This Sunday afternoon’s meeting between the Black and Whites and the Super League champions is Scott Taylor’s testimonial game.
Hull has named Taylor on its 22-man roster, and Cator, who impressed Smith at Doncaster, will likely earn more playing time at dummy-half. Although the 25-year-old scored the game’s first try in South Yorkshire, the head coach was more impressed with his enthusiasm and ball-serving throughout the match.
This year, Cator will see time at hooker, though not as much as he would want at loose-forward, as Hull Live first reported during the preseason. Smith has tasked the player with expanding his skill set and providing the squad with an interchangeable option by playing at both nine and the midfield, freeing up a forward to occupy the position of 17.
Following the plan, Houghton will return to the squad this weekend following his recovery from a small hand injury that kept him out of the Doncaster match. Cator will also play a time at 13 against Wigan. Last month, he was named Hull FC’s captain for the 2024–21 campaign.
“Danny will play some hooker this weekend for some of the game, and so will Joe Cator, who will probably play some loose-forward for us as well,” Smith stated in an interview with Hull Live. Both of them will receive an abundance of game time—more precisely, the amount of game time we need to prepare them for round one. For that, they’re both prepared.
“At Doncaster, I felt Joe was excellent. For the entire game, he was possibly the best player on the pitch. He raced the ball exceptionally effectively, served well, and played excellent defence.
“He has been incredibly excited about taking on the challenge of a new role and position. He seemed to step up to the challenge, and he’s done a great job of training. It’s been a wonderful kick in the arm for him, and he performed admirably at loose-forward as well. He played quite direct and ran the ball a lot. His performance truly pleased me.”
Entering his fifth season at the club he grew up supporting, Cator played loose-forward and contributed to Morgan Smith’s try at Doncaster. His work ethic and enthusiasm were contagious throughout the players. Smith is thrilled about it, stating that it’s benefiting other athletes and influencing them.
“He works really hard, and he’s got a good work ethic,” said Smith. “He approaches his task with enthusiasm. It also has an effect on other people. He builds a lot of his game around it, but he also possesses solid skills, and he’s always looking to expand his repertoire in order to become a valuable member of the squad.
“That results from having a positive outlook. Right now, I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s taking all of those problems head-on and radiating positivity to everyone around him.”
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