Denive Balmforth set sights on long-term future after signing new Hull FC deal

Denive Balmforth says it was a ‘no brainer’ to re-sign for Hull FC ahead of what he believes is an ‘exciting’ time for the club. As exclusively reported by Hull Live on Wednesday, the young hooker has signed a new one-year contract with the Black and Whites, with the goal of earning a longer team deal next season.

Joining the likes of Logan Moy, Jack Charles, Lewis Martin, and Davy Litten in signing new deals, Balmforth is determined to keep improving alongside a crop of promising young talent at Hull, with the club also activating options for Zach Jebson, Matty Laidlaw, and Harvey Barron. The 20-year-old will now move into a fourth season at the club, having signed from Warrington Wolves in 2022.

After playing for the club’s academy and reserve sides, Balmforth made a try-scoring Super League debut against Toulouse Olympique just a few months later and has made eight first-team appearances in total, including four this year. Impressing in his last two topflight matches, scoring a try in each game, the young dummy half will now spend the 2025 season at the club, having played on loan at Newcastle Thunder last year.

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He also played one game on loan for Swinton Lions earlier this season and has 35 first-grade appearances to his name, scoring 10 tries.

Speaking on his new deal, Balmforth said: “It’s a really exciting time to be involved with the club, with plenty of new faces coming in and some really exciting young players committing their future here. When contract talks started, it was a no brainer for me to sign.

“I know there’s still plenty of hard work ahead for me, but I’m excited for the journey and can’t wait to make some special memories with this great club.”

Richie Myler, meanwhile, said Balmforth’s new deal is a reward for his hard work and determination in recent weeks, both on the training ground and in matches. The club’s Director of Rugby added: “Denive has earned this contract through his own hard work and determination on both the training pitch, and when he’s gotten his playing opportunities with the first-team this season.

“As has been clear to see, he has taken his opportunities with both hands. We’re delighted to keep him in our camp next season, and he continues to develop as an exciting young hooker.

“The fact he has backed himself by just wanting to sign a one-year deal, in order to earn an even bigger contract with the club further down the line, is exactly the sort of attitude we look to instill in our young players.”

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