Hull FC Face Warriors Test Without Key Players
Hull FC travel to the Brick Community Stadium on Saturday to face Wigan Warriors in Round 2 of the Betfred Super League, but will be without key players Jake Arthur and Zak Hardaker. The Black & Whites are aiming to build on their opening-day victory against Bradford Bulls, but face a tough test against a strong Wigan side.
The absence of Arthur is due to a minor hamstring strain, with the club opting for caution rather than risk further injury. Hardaker’s unavailability stems from a leg issue sustained during last week’s win over Bradford. Adding to Hull’s injury concerns, Ligi Sao is suspended for two matches following a dangerous contact charge.
However, there is positive news for Hull FC with the return of Jed Cartwright to the 21-man squad. Cartwright has successfully completed his return-to-play protocols after a head injury. Young players Matty Laidlaw and Logan Moy also earn spots in the squad, with Laidlaw having impressed in reserve team action and Moy recovering from a pre-season calf injury.
Despite the returning players, Hull FC still have a significant injury list. Herman Ese’ese (Achilles), John Asiata (hamstring), James Bell (knee), Joe Phillips (leg), Roman Dawson (knee), and Ryan Westerman (foot) remain sidelined. Asiata and Bell are back in training and are being monitored week to week, with hopes of a return before Round 4.
Wigan Warriors will also be without key personnel. Centre Jake Wardle is sidelined with an MCL injury sustained against Castleford Tigers, and Abbas Miski is also unavailable. Former Hull FC loan player Sam Eseh is included in Wigan’s 21-man squad.
Hull FC’s squad demonstrates a blend of experience and emerging talent. Aidan Sezer will be crucial in directing the attack from half-back, while Liam Knight and Sam Lisone provide power in the forward pack. The return of Cartwright adds further strength to the pack, and the inclusion of Laidlaw and Moy offers coach John Cartwright options from the bench.
Wigan Warriors, meanwhile, boast a formidable squad led by Bevan French and Harry Smith. Luke Thompson and Ethan Havard will be key figures in the forward battle, and the inclusion of Eseh adds depth to their backline. Wigan will be looking to avenge their Grand Final defeat to Hull KR last season and establish themselves as early contenders in the 2026 Super League.
The 2026 Super League season is already shaping up to be highly competitive. Hull KR are the defending champions, having defeated Wigan Warriors in the 2025 Grand Final to claim their first Super League title. Bradford Bulls have returned to the top flight after a 12-year absence, while Castleford Tigers have undergone a significant squad overhaul with the arrival of several players from the NRL.
Rule changes for the 2026 season include a 60-second shot clock for conversion and penalty kicks, aimed at speeding up the game. The overseas player quota has also been increased from seven to ten per team, allowing clubs to field more international talent.
Saturday’s match between Wigan Warriors and Hull FC promises to be a thrilling encounter. Hull FC will need to overcome the absence of key players and withstand the challenge of a strong Wigan side if they are to maintain their winning start to the season. The game will be a good indicator of both teams’ ambitions for the 2026 Super League campaign.
Hull 21-man squad: 1. Will Pryce, 2. Harvey Barron, 3. Davy Litten, 5. Lewis Martin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 9. Amir Bourouh, 10. Harvie Hill, 11. Joe Batchelor, 12. Jed Cartwright, 14. Cade Cust, 16. Sam Lisone, 17. Liam Knight, 19. Tom Briscoe, 20. Yusuf Aydin, 21. Arthur Romano, 22. Connor Bailey, 23. Brad Fash, 24. Logan Moy, 25. Matty Laidlaw, 27. Callum Kemp, 32. Lloyd Kemp
Wigan 21-man squad: 1. Jai Field, 2. Zach Eckersley, 3. Adam Keighran, 5. Liam Marshall, 6. Bevan French, 7. Harry Smith, 8. Ethan Havard, 9. Brad O’Neill, 10. Luke Thompson, 11. Junior Nsemba, 12. Liam Farrell, 13. Kaide Ellis, 14. Sam Walters, 15. Patrick Mago, 17. Ollie Partington, 19. Jack Farrimond, 20. Sam Eseh, 22. Tom Forber, 23. Kian McDermott, 25. Taylor Kerr, 32. Dayon Sambou.
