Hull FC explore new signing options with enquiry made for Super League switch

Hull FC are currently active in the transfer market, with the club exploring the possibility of both loan moves and new permanent signings. Of that, head coach Tony Smith has held no secret, with Tex Hoy's expected departure set to give them more scope to bring in new additions.

Discussions are ongoing to determine Hoy's severance package, with the player, as exclusively revealed by Hull Live, being told on Monday that he is surplus to requirements. The Australian's departure will leave Hull with a quota spot to work with, something, as reported by the Yorkshire Post this Tuesday afternoon, that they intend to fill, with the club currently assessing their options.

Those spots could also be plural with the understanding that more players could leave the club over the next week, with Hull looking for answers as they address their torrid start to the season, which currently sees them sitting in 11th spot on the Super League table and out of the Challenge Cup having lost seven of their opening eight games. They have leaked 302 points in the process including 194 in their last four games.

That has set the alarm bells ringing, with Smith hinting last month that the loan market, which saw Hull bring in Warrington Wolves duo Joe Bullock and Matty Russell for rounds three and four, is also an option once again, with the understanding that a back-rower has been identified on the such a front, while a half-back is also of primary interest overseas.

Hull Live understands that the back-rower is St Helens junior Sam Royle. The club inquired last week about his availability, but an agreement is yet to be reached, with the Saints in cup action this week before hosting the Black and Whites next week. That means a deal right now makes little sense from their point of view, but it is something that has not been ruled out for the future.

Royle, who had a loan spell at Hull KR back in 2022 and has played 27 times for the Saints, isn't the only player on Hull's radar on both sides of the world, with the club set to be very busy on such fronts with no first-team fixture this week. They next face St Helens on Friday 19 April before hosting Leeds Rhinos on Sunday 28 April.

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Read more: Hull FC recruitment opportunity opens up amid expected Tex Hoy departure