by Ian Judson
Hull FC have further bolstered their squad for the 2026 season by signing Catalans Dragons centre Arthur Romano and young Goole Vikings forward Joe Phillips.
The Black & Whites have also held off competition to extend the contract of young prop forward Matty Laidlaw after a string of impressive performances towards the end of this season.
It is well known that John Cartwright’s side were on the lookout for a strike centre, with French international Romano fitting that bill perfectly, adding competition for the likes of Player of the Year Zak Hardaker and the outstanding Davy Litten after signing a two-year deal.
Speaking on hullfc.com, Romano said: “It’s an honour to join a historic club like Hull FC, with its proud tradition and passionate supporters. I’m really excited to take on this new challenge in a different country and culture and I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates. I’m fully committed to giving my best every day and working hard to help the team achieve its goals.”
Along with that of Romano, the signing of Joe Phillips takes Hull’s list of new signings to eight after a season of undeniable progress.
Nineteen-year-old Phillips is a Leeds Rhinos academy product and will be a familiar face to new teammates Will Hutchinson and Ryan Westerman, having appeared alongside them for the England academy side against France last year.
He has spent this season under the expert guidance of Black & Whites legend Scott Taylor at Goole and has now signed a two-year contract at the MKM Stadium.
Phillips said: “I’m really proud to be joining Hull FC for the next two years. This is a great opportunity for me and it’s a challenge I’m ready for on the back of a good year with Goole in League One.”
Meanwhile, Matty Laidlaw has now added to his current contract and committed to stay until at least the end of the 2028 season.
The 21-year-old prop has now made 37 appearances for the club, as well as having dual registration spells at Newcastle Thunder, Keighley Cougars and Doncaster.
The young prop, another product of the Hull FC academy, told the club website: “It’s really good to be able to secure my longer-term future because it allows me to just focus on myself over the next three years.
“I’d say 2025 has been the best year of my career so far and it’s been nice to get a good run of games in the side. My focus is just to keep growing and building in 2026 and I’ve got some great teammates and coaches around me to help me keep developing.”