Hull FC has revealed their 21-man squad for the upcoming match against London Broncos on Sunday, but the absence of new signing Ben Reynolds comes as a surprise.
Reynolds has experienced a season filled with transfers, initially joining Featherstone Rovers in the off-season after leaving Leigh Centurions. Despite being named club captain, he did not feature in any league games for Featherstone before moving to Hull KR.
At Hull KR, Reynolds was brought in as a backup option for Mikey Lewis and Tyrone May. He made just one appearance for the club before departing Craven Park. During his time with Featherstone, Reynolds played in Championship matches either on dual registration or loan deals.
Reynolds made his sole appearance for Hull KR when he filled in for the injured Mikey Lewis during their defeat against Catalans. However, he has now joined Hull FC, with the club confirming his signing earlier this week.
Despite arriving at Hull FC and being spoken highly of by Richie Myler, who expressed excitement about Reynolds joining the squad and what he could bring, Reynolds has not been included in the 21-man squad for the upcoming match against London Broncos.
Star signing left out of Hull FC squad
Credit: SWpix
Hull FC is set to introduce loan signing Tiaki Chan as a debutant, with the forward joining from Wigan Warriors and being immediately included in the squad.
Chan’s inclusion is notable as he will be wearing the number 46 shirt, a reflection of the considerable roster changes Hull FC has undergone due to injuries, youth promotions, and loan acquisitions.
Ben Reynolds’ absence, reportedly due to a new injury rather than a tactical decision, means that Jack Charles will continue partnering with the now-fit Jake Trueman in the halves.
Charles has emerged as a standout performer for Hull FC amidst a season fraught with challenges. However, the club is eager to turn the tide this weekend against London Broncos.
London Broncos are currently the only winless side in Super League, and interestingly, Hull FC’s sole victory this season came against them in Round Three. The narrow 28-24 win, sealed by a late Morgan Smith try, was met with mixed reactions at the MKM Stadium, including some boos from the crowd.
Since then, Hull FC has undergone changes, including the dismissal of Tony Smith and the appointment of interim head coach Simon Grix and Director of Rugby Richie Myler. Despite improved performances against Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves, securing a convincing win on Sunday would be pivotal in winning back the support of the fans.
Hull FC will face this challenge without several key players, including Ben Reynolds and others on the injury list such as Carlos Tuimavave, Brad Fash, Jack Ashworth, Miteli Vulikijapani, Nick Staveley, and Cobie Wainhouse.
Furthermore, the club is without Liam Tindall (on loan to Bradford Bulls), Ed Chamberlain (recalled from loan by Leigh Centurions), and Jack Brown (transferred to Hull KR). These departures have been offset by the arrivals of debutant Tiaki Chan and fellow forwards Zach Jebson and Matty Laidlaw.
Hull FC’s 21-Man Squad to face London Broncos
4 – Liam Sutcliffe
6 – Jake Trueman
8 – Herman Ese’ese
9 – Danny Houghton
10 – Franklin Pele
12 – Ligi Sao
14 – Joe Cator
15 – Jordan Lane
17 – Cam Scott
19 – Morgan Smith
21 – Will Gardiner
23 – Davy Litten
26 – Lewis Martin
27 – Zach Jebson
30 – Matty Laidlaw
31 – Jack Walker
37 – Logan Moy
40 – Jack Charles
44 – Tom Briscoe
45 – Yusuf Aydin
46 – Tiaki Chan