This time last year, Will Pryce was living out his NRL dream on the east coast of Australia.

The Bradford native had the weather and the lifestyle in Newcastle but one thing was missing: a true sense of purpose on the field.

While he enjoyed a taste of the sport's premier competition the previous season, all roads led back to Super League.

It says everything about his convictions that he has no regrets about leaving the sun-soaked beaches of New South Wales for a fresh challenge at Hull FC despite a campaign of frustration.

Pryce arrived in April to great fanfare but endured lengthy lay-offs, breaking his foot just two games into his return from a hamstring injury.

"I was disappointed with how it went," he said.

"I was really happy with my decision to come home and be a vital part of a team. That's what I've wanted for a long time now.

"I was brought in to try and win more games for Hull but couldn't do that because of my injuries. I could feel my game building and becoming part of the team but then I'd pick up an injury.

Will Pryce has found the leading role he craved at Hull. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Will Pryce has found the leading role he craved at Hull. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

"It was tough – but I'm ready to go again. I'm definitely glad I made the move back."

Pryce was just 20 when he left Huddersfield Giants for a new adventure on the other side of the world.

He may have made only five appearances but it was a risk the playmaker was willing to take.

"As a kid growing up, my ambition was to play in the NRL," said Pryce, son of former Great Britain international Leon.

Will Pryce struggled to establish himself at the Knights but it was a valuable experience for the youngster. (Photo: Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

"I managed to play a few games but am disappointed I didn't quite achieve what I wanted to.

"I'm happy I gave it a crack. I took myself out of my comfort zone because I was young when I left.

"People were quick to give me a bit of a spray when I came back but it's easy to sit on their couch and have a go at me. Nobody would walk a mile in my shoes without getting blisters."

Metaphorical wounds aside, nothing Pryce experienced in Australia has put him off the idea of a return.

Injuries halted Will Pryce's momentum in 2025. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

Right now, though, the 23-year-old is focused on repaying Hull for giving him the responsibility he craved.

"You never know," he said on the prospect of having a second crack at the NRL. "It'd be silly to write that off.

"But I'm contracted to stay here for the next three years and am loving every minute of it. I love the camaraderie with the lads, love the fans and love living here."

The leap from Super League to the NRL also works in reverse.

Jake Arthur has swapped the comforts of Australia for Hull, stepping straight into a pivotal role in the spine alongside Pryce.

"Jake has been great since he came in," said Pryce.

Will Pryce is sensing a big year with Hull. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"That transition is always hard. People expect these boys to come over from the NRL and kill it straight away.

"The two games are a lot different. Anyone who has played in both will tell you that.

"But I do feel he will definitely unlock many players in the team once he builds confidence and connections."

Personnel is not the only change coming to Super League in 2026.

The renewed emphasis on policing the ruck and speeding up the game should play right into Pryce's hands.

"For runners like myself who like being around the ruck, it's definitely an exciting change," said the fleet-footed full-back.

"Whether it stays for longer than a month, we'll see. There are always rule changes, they're there for the first few games and are quickly forgotten about.

"Let's hope the RFL and referees keep it in place because if the rucks stay fast, it'll be interesting to see how everyone goes."

There is a sense of intrigue across Super League as the competition ushers in yet another new era.

Clubs are adjusting to an expanded league and the challenges that come with it. For Hull, that means building on the progress they made in 2025.

The Black and Whites rediscovered their edge but injuries to key players, such as Pryce, hindered their consistency.

With a favourable wind, Pryce believes the sky is the limit for John Cartwright's side.

"Anything we want to achieve is achievable," he said.

"Every team you speak to at this time of year wants to win silverware but I feel that's genuinely achievable for our group.

"We had quite a few of our key players out injured last year and that affects you. I remember going to watch Leeds play Catalans at the back end of the year when Jake Connor didn't play and they lost. That was one player.

"We had six or seven out each game. We didn't play with a full-strength squad for most of the season.

"If we can keep our key players out there, we'll have a good crack at it."