After it was denied Liam Watts was on the verge of a return to Hull FC, the prop has found a new club…in Hull FC.
The 34-year-old was released by Castleford Tigers last Friday after not featuring in either of their first two games of the 2025 Betfred Super League season, and struggled with illness and injury in the .
Watts has, however, quickly secured a return to Hull FC, a club he played for from 2012 to midway through 2018, on a contract for the rest of the season.
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“I’m incredibly excited to be back at Hull FC for the rest of the season – a club I hold close to my heart and I cannot wait to pull on the black-and-white jersey once again and run out in front of the faithful,” Watts said.
“It’s clear to see that the club is at the start of an exciting new project, and I’m looking forward to playing a role in that over the coming months.”
Watts made 152 appearances for the Black and Whites during his first spell in West Hull, including being part of their back-to-back Challenge Cup successes in 2016 and 2017.
He is the latest addition to the Hull FC pack following the signing of former Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Canberra Raiders and South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Liam Knight on a similar deal.
Although primarily a prop, the 30-year-old is capable of slotting in at loose forward as well.
Front row Sam Eseh also returned to the club on a season-long loan from Wigan Warriors last week, having playing four matches on loan with Hull FC in 2024.
“While Liam [Watts] is undoubtedly in the twilight of his career, there is no doubt that his experience and enthusiasm is a great asset for us to pick up – especially at this stage of the year when adding depth to your squad is incredibly difficult,” Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler said.
“We identified Liam [Knight] as a player who could join us and do a good job in the middle of the field, and John Cartwright knows him well having worked together previously at Manly, so that is an added bonus.”
Watts and Knight could both feature for Hull FC when they host Leigh Leopards in the Super League Round 4 opener on Thursday night.
