What's the state of play with recruits for Cartwright’s FC?

Hull FC have signed four new players for the 2026 season so far, all exclusively reported by the Mail, but what lies next, and what areas will Richie Myler and John Cartwright look to strengthen for next year?

- By DAN TOMLINSON [e-mail] @hulllive

What's coming in?

Hull have made four new signings, with two new middles coming in the shape of James Bell and Harvie Hill and two back rowers in Joe Batchelor and Connor Bailey.

Batchelor and Bailey add much-needed numbers to the back row position, which has been decimated by injury this season.

Ollie Holmes was forced into early retirement after a chronic knee injury, with Jed Cartwright and Jordan Lane also missing large parts of the season with knocks.

And while Lane will move to Castleford Tigers next season, Cartwright has another year to run on his deal, with the two new additions set to compete for the role.

Elsewhere, Bell could well prove to be a shrewd signing. He's a ball-playing forward equally at home in the middle or, if needs be, on an edge. But expect his primary role to be spelling John Asiata in the middle of the field and ensuring the way Hull play never falters. Hill too is a young, sizeable forward with plenty of punch, and coming through the Wigan system, he will have the right attitude to make a mark.

The area of focus