Transfers
In: Josh Reynolds (Wests Tigers).
Out: Ratu Naulago (Bristol RU), Lewis Bienek (Castleford), Josh Jones (Huddersfield), Liam Harris (Halifax), Ryan Johnson (Sheffield), Kieran Buchanan (Batley), Gareth Ellis (retired), Albert Kelly, Ryan Johnson, Charlie Patterson, Charlie Graham (all released).
Reynolds comes with ambition
Australian star Josh Reynolds wants to end his career with a ‘bang’ – which should spell good news for Hull FC.
The former New South Wales State of Origin stand-off is the only new face on the pitch at Hull for 2021, having followed new Black and Whites head coach Brett Hodgson from Wests Tigers in Sydney to East Yorkshire.
Hull hope Reynolds can prove the missing link on the field as they seek to reach a first Grand Final since 2006 and seal a championship for the first time since 1983.
The word is he is already linking up well with Marc Sneyd and Jake Connor in their creative hub and the talented playmaker is also certainly looking to make up for lost time.
Reynolds shot to fame with Canterbury Bulldogs and even helped New South Wales end Queensland’s eight-year dominance in 2014, the year he also played in his second Grand Final – losing to a South Sydney side featuring Sam Burgess.
But a move to Wests in 2018 never really worked out for him, with injuries and limited game-time meaning the colourful character failed to really show his true ability.
Reynolds, who turns 32 next month, now wants a fresh start after travelling from Down Under to switch to Super League.
“I’ve had a real, real rollercoaster ride for the last three years on and off the field,” he told yorkshirepost.co.uk.
“I haven’t been able to do what I love week in week out and that’s to play footy.
“For me, (my aim) it’s just to play some consistent footy.
“With the outstanding squad we do have here, I think it will be a tick for me.
“But footy is also about making really good friendships and things that happen off the field, too, so I want to really enjoy that and everything that comes with this proud club.
“I’m in the last couple of years of my career – I’m not sure how much I left in me after these years here – and I really want to go out with a bang.
“I think we’ve got the squad to do it.”
Prediction
The Black & Whites have had a fairly quiet off-season, but despite that, they may have the biggest coup of the lot.
Josh Reynolds is a marquee player who could help to propel this Hull side to the next level. The 32-year-old's relationship with new head coach Brett Hodgson will only enhance his performances too.
This Hull squad is littered with stars, and if they buy into Hodgson's vision, then there's no reason they won't be playing play-off rugby again this season.
VAVEL Predicts - 5th