The 2026 Betfred Super League season kicked off in dramatic fashion as Hull FC overcame a raft of injury setbacks to claim a 27-20 victory over the newly-promoted Bradford Bulls at the MKM Stadium. The fixture, played on February 14, 2026, was not just the league opener for both sides but also a record-breaking occasion for Hull FC, who welcomed their largest non-derby home opener crowd since 2005—an atmosphere that crackled with anticipation and hope.
Yet, in the days leading up to the clash, Hull FC’s preparations were thrown into disarray. Star signing and NRL recruit Jake Arthur, who had been pegged as a pivotal figure for the Airlie Birds’ campaign, was ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during the previous week’s victory over Salford in the Challenge Cup. Arthur’s absence marked the fifth overseas player on the sidelines, joining Herman Ese’ese, Jed Cartwright, John Asiata, and James Bell—each nursing their own ailments.
Hull FC head coach John Cartwright, who has rapidly earned the trust of Hull fans after steering the club from 11th to seventh in the table last year, was forced into some bold selection calls. “It’s tough losing Jake for the opener, but we have faith in our squad depth,” Cartwright said before kickoff, as quoted by Serious About Rugby League. The coach handed league debuts to Harvie Hill, Arthur Romano, and Sam Lisone, while turning to young Callum Kemp to fill the void in the halves alongside club captain Aidan Sezer.
Kemp, who had shown flashes of promise in the closing rounds of the 2025 season, was thrust into the spotlight on one of the club’s biggest nights in recent memory. He didn’t disappoint. Partnering with the experienced Sezer, Kemp helped orchestrate Hull’s attack, showing a cool head under pressure and providing a glimpse of the club’s future talent pipeline.
The full Hull FC starting XIII, as confirmed at 4:00 pm on game day, featured Will Pryce at full-back—returning after being rested against Salford—Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin on the wings, with Zak Hardaker and Davy Litten in the centres. Up front, Liam Knight made his first appearance of the season after recovering from a head knock, joining Harvie Hill at prop and Amir Bourouh at hooker. The back row was anchored by Joe Batchelor and debutant Arthur Romano, with Yusuf Aydin at loose-forward. The bench included Cade Cust, Sam Lisone, Ligi Sao, and Brad Fash, while Connor Bailey was named as 18th man.
For the visitors, the Bradford Bulls, the match represented a return to Super League after a period of rebuilding. Their supporters turned out in force, contributing to the electric atmosphere inside the MKM Stadium. But it was Hull who struck first, with Sezer and Kemp linking up to set the early tempo. The Black & Whites’ attack was sharp, and their defense resolute, despite the absence of several key forwards.
“The crowd was unbelievable tonight,” said Will Pryce, reflecting on the occasion. “We wanted to put on a show, especially after everything the fans have been through with the rebuild. It’s a great way to start the season.”
Bradford, however, were not content to simply make up the numbers. They fought back hard, capitalizing on moments of Hull’s inexperience and taking advantage of some gaps left by the reshuffled home side. The Bulls managed to keep the contest close, and by halftime, the game was finely poised—a testament to the tenacity of the promoted side and the unpredictable nature of Super League’s opening rounds.
In the second half, Hull’s depth and determination began to show. Debutants Hill, Romano, and Lisone each made telling contributions, with Hill’s work rate in the middle drawing praise from the coaching staff. “Harvie’s debut was outstanding,” Cartwright remarked post-match. “He brought real energy and didn’t look out of place at all.”
Sezer’s leadership proved vital, as he marshaled the team through a tense final quarter. With the Bulls pressing for an equalizer, it was a moment of individual brilliance from Zak Hardaker that tipped the scales—his break leading to a decisive try that sent the home supporters into raptures. Not to be outdone, Liam Knight marked his return with some bruising carries, helping to keep the Bulls’ forwards honest in the closing stages.
The final score—Hull FC 27, Bradford Bulls 20—was a fair reflection of a contest that ebbed and flowed, with both sides showing flashes of quality and resilience. For Hull, the win was about more than just two points; it was a statement of intent from a squad that’s weathered adversity and emerged stronger for it. For Bradford, the narrow defeat was laced with positives, not least their ability to compete toe-to-toe with established Super League opposition in a hostile environment.
Looking ahead, Hull FC will be buoyed by the news that Jake Arthur’s hamstring injury is not expected to be a long-term concern. According to Serious About Rugby League, the Australian playmaker should be back within two weeks—a huge relief for Cartwright and his staff, who know that Arthur’s creativity will be crucial as the season unfolds. Similarly, the likes of John Asiata and James Bell are tipped to return in the coming weeks, adding further depth to an already competitive squad.
Meanwhile, the Bulls can take heart from their spirited display. Their return to Super League has been eagerly awaited by fans of the sport, and if this performance is anything to go by, they won’t be overawed by the step up in competition. The challenge now is to build on this foundation and turn narrow defeats into victories as the season progresses.
As the dust settles on a memorable opening night, one thing’s clear: Hull FC’s blend of youth, experience, and resilience has set the tone for what promises to be an enthralling Super League campaign. With the return of key players on the horizon and a passionate fan base behind them, the Black & Whites look well-equipped to make a serious push for the play-offs. The Bulls, for their part, have shown they belong at this level—and the rest of the league will have taken notice.
Super League is back, and if this curtain-raiser is any indication, fans are in for a wild ride.