Abdull relishing his new rugby challenge

EX KR AND FC STAR PENS WIDNES DEAL

- By JOSH MCALLISTER

Jordan Abdull in Hull pre-season training last year

(PHOTO: HULL FC)

Jordan Abdull admits his body and his mind needed a reset after leaving Hull FC, and for the first time, he has opened up on just how close he came to thinking his career was over.

Having penned a three-year deal at the MKM Stadium ahead of the 2025 Super League season, Abdull’s homecoming had ended without playing a game.

Years of injury struggles had taken their toll, and after almost 12 months out of the game, a spark finally returned - leading him to take on a fresh challenge in the Championship with Widnes Vikings for 2026.

“My body needed it, to be honest,” Abdull, a onetime England international, said.

“My knee needed a break. The last couple of years, I've been injured and things and mentally I've not been in a great spot. I definitely needed a break.

“I'd come to Hull FC, and my knee was still pretty bad from the last few months at Catalans. From Hull's point of view, I just signed a three-year contract and when I went to see a specialist, they probably just didn’t like the verdict that was given and a decision was made to mutually terminate the contract.

“It’s a physical game, and I've been playing since I was six and professionally since I was 18.