Hull FC recruitment factors explained with further additions still to come in

Simon Grix believes 'experience' is the key word to take out of Hull FC's recent recruitment. The Black and Whites have confirmed the signings of Zak Hardaker, Oliver Holmes, and Ed Chamberlain this week, with all three players arriving for the 2025 season from Leigh Leopards.

They will join John Asiata, also from Leigh, with Hull also signing Jordan Abdull from Hull KR and Amir Bourouh from Salford Red Devils. Elsewhere, Cade Cust, as per Hull Live, has signed for the club, which still has two quota spots to fill.

Grix, meanwhile, has stated that Hull's new signings are also with the full squad in mind, with the acquisitions made to help bring on and develop the club's exciting core of young players. The 38-year-old, who will be an assistant to new head coach John Cartwright next season, also mentioned 'professionalism' as a factor, with Chamberlain in particular a player the interim coach holds in high regard.

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Speaking on all three new signings for the first time, Grix said: "They're experienced players. Zak has won everything in the British game. He's a very experienced player. Ollie has also been around for a long time, and again, experience is the key word, especially for them two.

"We've got a lot of young blokes this year, and we're hoping to push them through as a club over the next few years. Having some senior boys in there that can show them what being a good professional is, how to train, and such will be really good for them, and hopefully the qualities can rub off.

"Yes, in terms of age, they are getting on a bit, but you look across the league now, and generally, people are playing later and later. I'm sure they've still got plenty in the tank just yet, and it's not just about the rugby; it's bringing people on in other areas across the squad. They will certainly add value to the club."

Grix, who fielded Chamberlain for Hull FC in two games on loan earlier this year, continued: "In Ed, we've had a look up close already. I was really impressed with him. I've watched Ed play loads of times. My brother (Scott Grix) has played with him and been in squads with him at Ireland, and no one has a bad word to say about him. Seeing it upfront in how he carries himself, how he trains, and his versatility, it's all really important.

"At 28, he's still got plenty in front of him. Fans will have their opinion on all of them, of course, but they have seen Ed in a Hull shirt this year, and I think everyone was quite impressed with what he brought in that short period of time. I'm sure he will do that for the time that he spends with us."

Despite six signings already made, Hull are still expected to bring in further additions for 2025, with Hull Live previously outlining a quota plan. The club are understood to be looking at a full-back from Australia, as well as an outside back, with Grix, who says there are still some recruitment decisions to make, laying out the importance of depth in the first-team squad.

"There's still some retention that needs to be worked through, but we just want to get better," Grix added. "There is a strategy around recruitment, with what we want and what we need. My job next year will be the same as it is now, and that's to work with the group that I've got in front of me and make them better.

"For me, depth would be one thing (to add more of). We've seen this year where, between bans and injuries early doors, our lack of depth got exposed really early there, and we were chucking kids in as we have over the year. It's valuable experience for them, but we don't want to get caught in that position again."

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