Aidan Sezer outlines clear objective for Hull FC ahead of Super League season

Anything less than a trophy would be viewed as a failure for last season's quadruple winners Wigan Warriors, while Hull KR may never have a better chance to win silverware.

Warrington Wolves, St Helens and Leeds Rhinos are among the other clubs that must cope with high demands and expectant fanbases.

Hull FC have rubbed shoulders with the heavyweights of Super League in the not-too-distant past but there is a sense of realism at the MKM Stadium heading into the new season.

As far as captain Aidan Sezer is concerned, Hull's objective is simple.

"Improvement," he said.

"We need to turn up for each other, represent the badge and make the fans proud.

"Most players will speak at this time of year about the ambitions they have but we just need to improve as a squad. We'll see where we end up from there."

Realism is required at Hull following a steady slide down the Super League table, culminating in last season's brush with the wooden spoon.

The Black and Whites have a fresh look after adding experience to a squad that was in need of direction.

At the helm of the rebuild is John Cartwright, an Australian coach who commands respect.

Cartwright's fingerprints were all over Hull's overseas recruitment, with Sezer one of three signings recommended by the 59-year-old.

"It's everything I anticipated when I signed to play under him again," said Sezer, who worked with Cartwright at Gold Coast Titans. "He was a massive reason for me coming back.

"I've always had a lot of respect for Carty. He's the coach who gave me my NRL debut a while ago now.

"He does hold a room – he has that aura about him. He's a coach you want to play for and someone you don't want to let down. The rest of the boys think the same.

"It's been good working with him in the pre-season and hopefully better times are ahead for the club."

Rather than select a captain himself, Cartwright asked his players to elect their on-field leader for the 2025 campaign.

After seeing his leadership qualities in pre-season, they chose Sezer.

"It's awesome to have that recognition from your team-mates for your hard work and the way you present yourself at training each and every day," said Sezer, who captained Huddersfield Giants during his first spell in Super League.

"I feel ready for it. It's not about reinventing the wheel; it's about bringing my strengths to the role. The way I carry myself in training and games is one of the reasons I was appointed so I don't need to change.

"I'm relishing the responsibility and want to do the role justice. I'm the captain of a great club and will represent that badge with pride and honour."

Sezer was something of a 'nearly man' last time out in Super League.

After being named on the Man of Steel shortlist as a Huddersfield player in 2020, Sezer missed out on a Grand Final appearance two years later due to a concussion.

The Australian half-back struggled to make an impression in his final season with Leeds Rhinos in 2023 but he is not putting any extra pressure on himself now he is back in the competition.

"I get asked the question about unfinished business a lot but I don't look at it like that," said Sezer, who spent the 2024 season with Wests Tigers in the NRL.

"I know what I can do and what kind of player I am. I've been around the game a long time.

"I'm privileged to play the game for a living. This is my 15th year as a professional and as long as I'm giving my all, I'll be happy."

As Hull prepare to kick off their Super League season at Catalans Dragons on Friday night, there is a growing sense that the only way is up for the Black and Whites.

"We're ready," said Sezer. "It was a long pre-season and we're looking forward to focusing on games week to week.

"It's exciting times for the club. It's been a big transition period in the off-season and I'm keen to see how we go when we get out there together."