Josh Reynolds, Contracts and Darnell McIntosh - Five predictions about Hull FC in 2022
The Black and Whites are entering the new Super League season in a determined mood
William JacksonHull FC reporter
Josh Reynolds of Hull FC in action against Wigan Warriors (Image: News Images)
The start of the Super League season is a little over two months away and Hull FC are deep into their pre-season campaign.
Brett Hodgson's side returned to training at the start of November in a determined mood and they'll be desperate to set the record straight after losing nine of their final 10 games in 2021.
The Black and Whites have made changes to the squad over the off-season, with the likes of Luke Gale and Kane Evans arriving and it is hoped they can help the club turn their fortunes around when the campaign gets underway in February.
As the new season edges closer, Hull Live make five predictions about FC's year.
Darnell McIntosh to shine
McIntosh has only been at the club a month, but he's certainly made a positive impression and it seems he's well on his way towards settling in at County Road.
The winger ruptured his Achilles back in June and he is still working his way back to fitness, meaning he hasn't taken part in full training yet with his new team-mates.
As a player and a person, though, he more than fits the bill and he'll be aiming to give the Black and Whites something different on the right edge.
Speed was something Hull were lacking at times last season and Carlos Tuimavave will be excited to combine with the former Huddersfield Giants star.
He started running on the field earlier this week and there is hope that he can be passed fit to take part in the club's round one clash with Wakefield Trinity.
Home form to turn around
Just like in previous years, FC's home form was one of their major downfalls last season as they picked up just three wins at the MKM Stadium.
That record simply must improve if the club are to work their way back into the play-off picture and establish themselves as one of the Super League's superior outfits.
A regular, uninterrupted season might be beneficial, but the work being done on FC's strength of character and togetherness will also help when it comes to making their home ground a fortress.
Danny Houghton and Scott Taylor of Hull FC (Image: News Images)
Reliable home form is the solid base for most successive Super League teams and increased home crowds will undoubtedly follow, which would be a huge boost for the hierarchy as the impact of the pandemic is still being felt on finances.
Josh Reynolds to up his game
Reynolds impressed in patches last season and FC were undoubtedly better for having him in the team, but it's fair to say the former Wests Tigers man's year didn't exactly go to plan.
The half-back tested positive for Covid midway through the season and picked up a couple of nasty injuries meaning he was forced to go under the knife during the off-season.
Hull FC recruit Joe Lovodua latest as hooker arrives in UK
'It's time to live it' - Andre Savelio explains why Hull FC can't afford to waste more time
He was allowed to travel back to Australia in order to recover, but he's starting to think about his return now and he'll be feeling the pressure when he does given he has one season remaining on his current deal.
Reynolds is expected to be fit for the start of the season and don't be surprised if he hits the ground running in February and March alongside Luke Gale, whose character and personality has the potential to galvanise the club.
The pair will have around six weeks together on the training field before the competition gets underway and when they're both firing on all cylinders few will be able to handle them.
Jordan Lane to be contract priority
Next year is a big one for the Black and Whites as a host of key men enter the final year of their contracts.
FC look set to make decisions on Danny Houghton, Reynolds, Manu Ma'u, Jamie Shaul, Gale, Josh Bowden and others in the coming months as they mull over plans for the 2023 season and beyond.
Hull FC's Jordan Lane is tackled by Castleford Tigers' Oliver Holmes
The future of Jordan Lane appears to be something of a no-brainer, though.
The back-rower's contract is up at the end of 2022 and FC will surely be prepared to hand him a bump in his salary given his importance to the side last season.
More than one England call-up
Josh Griffin was the only FC player to be named in an England squad last season only for a ruptured Achilles to cruelly deny him a debut against either the Combined Nations All Stars or France.
He'll hope to work his way back into contention in time for the World Cup, though, and he might not be the only Hull player in Shaun Wane's plans come the end of the season.
Gale is a favourite of Wane's and he knows he could feature should he hit form in a black and white shirt.
Scott Taylor is determined to catch the England boss' eye after two injury-hit years in a row, while Jake Connor will undoubtedly put his best foot forward, too.
Rugby League Live newsletter
Hull Live and Rugby League Live bring you the latest rugby league news, exclusive transfer stories, features, interviews and opinion every day in our newsletter. Packed full of content from across Super League, plus news from the NRL, Championship and League 1 too, it has everything a fan needs to know.
It's free and to sign up all you have to do is add your email, which you can do by clicking right here.