Hull FC notebook: Danny Houghton's final message as coach nominated for award

An emotional Danny Houghton after his final Hull FC appearance.
-Credit: (Image: Hull FC)


Danny Houghton's final message

Retiring club legend Danny Houghton addressed the Hull FC fans after the final appearance of his professional career. Speaking on the pitch, the veteran hooker, who turns 36 this Wednesday, had this to say: "Obviously, as a boy, at 17 years old when I first started the journey, to play one game for this club would have been special, but to play so many and to have had your support throughout that time for the 451 games I've played, I'm immensely proud. Thank you so much.

"I'm going to miss running out on this field with the support we get. I know times are hard now but to see the numbers here is special. The camaraderie in the dressing room is unbelievable. It's something that the outside world will never hear, but look, I've had a great journey being a part of this club for so long. It's just a small chapter of my life, but one that I've always held so closely. Onto the next now, but once again to all the supporting staff, playing squad, everybody who I've made friends with over my time, and all of you who are here today, thank you and I love you. This club will be back."

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The three highest appearance maker

Houghton retires as the joint-third highest ever appearance maker, with the hooker finishing on 451 games, not to mention two Challenge Cup medals and a former Super League Man of Steel. A true club legend.

1. Ned Rogers, 499
2. Mick Scott, 459
3. Harold Bowman, 451
3. Danny Houghton, 451
5. Tommy Harris, 445

Tuimavave bows out

Carlos Tuimavave also bowed out on Saturday as Hull FC's fourth-highest overseas appearance maker of all-time. The centre played his 182nd and final game for the club and moves on as one of the finest overseas signings of the summer era.

Here are Hull FC's overseas top ten appearances makers. Some company.

1. Dane O'Hara, 276
2. Cecil Filfield, 226
3. Gary Kemble, 195
4. Carlos Tuimavave, 182
5. Jimmy Devereux, 181
6. James Leuluai, 178
7. Willie Manu, 165
8. Fetuli Talanoa, 128
9. Keith Gittoes, 124
10. Fred Ah Kuoi, 116

Swainger nominated for Coach of the Year

Hull FC Wheelchair Coach Mike Swainger is one of four coaching nominations for the Wheelchair Coach of the Year award. Swainger, who has led the Hull side for well over a decade, rising into Super League over the last couple of years, is nominated alongside Wayne Boardman (Halifax), Tom Coyd (London Roosters), and James Simpson (Leeds).

The winner will be announced in the build-up to Grand Final week, with the Wheelchair GF played at the Allam Sports Centre at the University of Hull on Sunday 13 October.

The Wheels of Steel award will also be announced for the best player in the competition. The nominees are Jeremy Bourson (Halifax Panthers), Joe Coyd (London Roosters), Josh Butler, Nathan Collins, and Tom Halliwell (all Leeds Rhinos).

Women gear up for League 1 semi-final

Hull FC will host Widnes Vikings at the University of Hull this Sunday afternoon, with the winner going straight into the League 1 Grand Final. The Black and Whites finished in second place in the table, earning a home tie against the Chemics, who finished third. The game is free entry. Meanwhile, the other semi-final sees Thatto Heath Crusaders take on Fryston Warriors.

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