Hull FC notebook as Yusuf Aydin shines, young gun receives England call and Okunbor scores on loan

Yusuf Aydin continues to shine

After Hull FC confirmed the permanent signing of Yusuf Aydin, Hull Live was told that the prop forward was one of the fittest players at former club Hull KR. That has been fully backed up since crossing the river.

Aydin has played huge minutes in his seven games so far and has showcased that engine. He played for over 70 minutes in two huge stints against Warrington and looked the part.

The 23-year-old is proving to be a very efficient player, one who just gets on with job with no fuss, carrying the ball, making tackles, and crucially, not missing many or coming up with errors. It’s also the inside pressure, kick pressure, push lines, and the like that earn him the respect of his teammates, with Aydin’s off the ball movement just as impressive. He’s been a shrewd buy, to say the least.

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Ryan Westerman receives England call up

Hull FC centre Ryan Westerman has received a late call up to the England Academy squad to take on France next week. The under-18s host the French in Warrington on July 2, with Westerman joining fellow Black and Whites Jack Charles and Will Hutchinson in the squad.

Westerman, a goal kicking centre, is another bright teenager tipped to make his mark at Hull FC. He has bags of speed and is a strong runner of the ball with a good catch and pass and offload game.

Okunbor scores in Bradford win

Jayden Okunbor was a try-scorer in Bradford’s 38-4 victory over Doncaster on Sunday. The victory keeps the Bulls in fourth place in the Championship table, just two points off second.

It was Okunbor’s third try since joining the Bulls on loan, which has been extended by a further month. He has now made five appearances for the West Yorkshire club, playing his first two games at centre before featuring on the wing for the last three.

Franklin Pele, meanwhile, is still recovering from a knee injury picked up at York Knights next month. The prop joined the Bulls after his departure from Hull FC was confirmed last week.

Armed Forces Day

The club celebrated their annual Armed Forces Day match against Warrington on Saturday, with the match ball delivered by Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson MBE. Ben is the most severely wounded soldier from the war in Afghanistan, with the club welcoming numerous former and current members of the Armed Forces to the game.

Academy beaten

Hull FC’s academy side were defeated 28-16 by Warrington on Saturday afternoon. The Black and Whites scored through Lennon Nicholson, Jordan Baker, and Elliot Middlemas, with the Wire pulling away after leading by two points at the break. The defeat leaves Hull in fifth place after seven rounds, two points off the top four. They next face Wakefield Trinity next month. The reserves, meanwhile, are in action against Leigh Leopards at Hull Sports Centre (YPI) this Sunday.

Women return to winning ways

Hull FC women got back in the winners circle with a 24-6 victory at Fryston Warriors on Sunday afternoon. Rising star Evie Sexton scored a hat-trick of tries, with Rebecca Cowling and Ruby Ellis also crossing over. The win was Hull's fourth from six games in the Women's League One competition, and leaves Jack Coates' side in third place in the table. They host Wakefield Trinity this Sunday afternoon.

Defeat for wheelchair team

Hull FC's wheelchair side were beaten 62-24 at Leeds Rhinos on Saturday. Mike Swainger's side next head to Halifax Panthers before hosting London Roosters at the end of July.

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