Hull FC opt for new direction as two academy players make first-team debuts

Ryan Westerman is tipped for a strong future at Hull FC.
-Credit: (Image: Hull FC)


Two Hull FC academy players will make their senior debuts against Catalans Dragons this Saturday afternoon, with Callum Kemp and Ryan Westerman running out in Super League for the first time. Both players played for the academy in the semi-final play-off defeat at St Helens on Monday night and now get their first-team opportunity, making their senior debuts at the MKM Stadium.

Westerman, a centre, has been named in 21-man squads a handful of teams already this season, with the England three-quarter, who has signed a first-team contract for 2025, now getting his first taste of senior action. Kemp, who turned 18 on Wednesday and was named for the first time this week as a first-year academy player, will debut from half-back.

The two players join an already youthful-looking Hull side, with the likes of Logan Moy, Harvey Barron, Lewis Martin, Zach Jebson, Denive Balmforth, and Matty Laidlaw all in the matchday 17. They take the total number of players 21 or under to eight, with Will Gardiner also starting at the grand old age of 23.

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Elsewhere, Danny Houghton and Carlos Tuimavave are both named in the starting line-up and will make their final appearances for the club. Houghton will line-up for the 451st time, with Tuimavave playing his 182nd game.

At full-back, Moy gets the nod again, with Barron and Martin on the wings. Tuimavave and Westerman occupy the centre spots, with Kemp partnered in the halves by Morgan Smith. Up front, Gardiner starts alongside Herman Ese'ese, with Houghton at hooker. In the back row, Jed Cartwright is set for a home debut. Jordan Lane is the other edge forward, with Yusuf Aydin at loose-forward.

Jack Ashworth is joined on the bench by Zebson, Balmforth, and Laidlaw. Leon Ruan is the 18th Man. Jack Walker, Ligi Sao, and Tiaki Chan miss out from the 21.

Hull Starting XIII: 37. Logan Moy; 25. Harvey Barron, 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 54. Ryan Westerman, 25. Lewis Martin; 19. Morgan Smith, 55. Callum Kemp; 8. Herman Ese'ese, 9. Danny Houghton, 21. Will Gardiner, 48. Jed Cartwright, 15. Jordan Lane; 45. Yusuf Aydin

Interchange: 16. Jack Ashworth, 27. Zach Jebson, 28. Denive Balmforth, 30. Matty Laidlaw. 18th Man: 51. Leon Ruan

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