Bailey Hodgson's 'best years' are ahead of him, insists Hull FC chief Richie Myler
HULL FC chief Richie Myler believes Bailey Hodgson’s best years are still ahead of him after signing the full-back to a two-year deal with his hometown club.
It represents the Airlie Birds’ first signing ahead of the 2027 Super League campaign and a significant one given the 23-year-old is making the move from rivals Leigh Leopards.
It represents a homecoming for Hodgson who came through the ranks at West Hull before sealing a move to Castleford Tigers where he went on to make his senior debut in 2020.
An opportunity in the NRL with Newcastle Knights proved too hard to resist for Hodgson, who later made the switch to Manly Sea Eagles.
But he struggled to make the breakthrough Down Under - his time at Newcastle blighted by injuries - and returned to the UK in 2024 without having made an NRL appearance and keen to relaunch his career at Leigh.
Being back in Super League clearly agreed with Hodgson who has scored 10 tries in 40 appearances for Adrian Lam’s team.
But the prospect of heading back to the city where he was born and working with Hull’s new head coach for the 2027 season, Steve McNamara, has seen Hodgson make the move away from Greater Manchester.
“It always means a lot more when you get the opportunity to sign for your hometown club and it’s something that I’m very excited about,” said Hodgson.
“I know the team have been struggling on the field this year, but off the field they are doing so many things well. I’m excited to work with Steve McNamara in 2027, a coach who I massively respect.
“I feel like it’s a really exciting time and can’t wait for the opportunity.”
Hull chief executive Myler said Hodgson had been one of their top priorities in terms of signings as they build for a 2027 campaign which they hope will put a disappointing year firmly in the past.
“As a Hull lad, Bailey understands what this club means to the city,” said Myler.
“He’s joining because he wants to be part of what we’re building under Steve McNamara - and we’re delighted to have secured him.
“He was one of our priorities for 2027 - a young player with genuine Super League quality. He’s proved he can perform at this level and - more importantly - we believe his best years are still ahead of him.
“We’re continuing to work hard on the playing group for 2027 and Bailey is exactly the type of player we want to bring in as we move the club forward.”
Arthur Romano could make his long-awaited return from injury for Hull at St Helens on Thursday after being added to Andy Last’s 21-man squad coming in alongside Will Hutchinson.
The pair replace Davy Litten – increasingly linked with a move to rivals Wakefield Trinity and who drops out with an ankle knock – and Ben Johnson.