I like to think I can do a job for Carty, I'm happy to do whatever's needed

BAILEY SETS OUT HIS AIMS AT THE BLACK AND WHITES FOR 2026 SEASON

- By DAN TOMLINSON

Connor Bailey was just 19 when he lined up for his Super League debut over five years ago. The opposition? Hull FC.

Ironically, the now 25-year-old, signed as a back rower for 2026 and beyond, played in a different position, too. Named in the Wakefield halves, Bailey partnered Ryan Hampshire as Hull, coached by interim boss Andy Last, won 26-23 in St Helens - a neutral venue due to the coronavirus outbreak - in what was a strange and unique time for all.

But Bailey has since kicked on. He's spent the last two years at York Knights playing in the edge forward role - one he first appeared in while at Newcastle Thunder.

Also appearing at loose forward and centre in a career that has spanned over 120 games so far, Bailey brings plenty of versatility to the table, but it’s the back row where he wants to crack life at Hull FC, and he's eager to impress.

“It feels like ages ago now,” Bailey, speaking to the Mail, said on his Super League debut. “I was only young and it was during Covid, so I didn’t have my family there and there was no crowd. I was playing halfback as well, I've not played halfback in a long time. It's weird to look back on now.”

So, how does a halfback transition into a back rower? For Bailey, the answer is simple.

“I think I just grew into my body,” he continued. “As I’ve got older, I've got heavier and I’ve got taller. I sort of just transitioned into it. It started at Newcastle. I moved into a 13 role, and then one game I found myself at back row and then, barring the odd game, I just stayed there.