Alternative Hull FC spine for the future featuring the clubs youngsters

Hull FC’s spine has come under the most scrutiny this season, with under fire half backs and hooking dilemmas holding the side back. Having Jake Connor out injured for around three months has only enhanced that, with Hull struggling to create in the South of France against Catalans last weekend.

Labelling his half backs as a “work in progress”, Brett Hodgson does have options though, players he has called upon before and players also waiting for their own opportunities. With youth development a big thing at Hull FC right now, here Hull Live looks at an alternative spine for the future.

Davy Litten - The teenager has rose through the Hull FC ranks over the last couple of years, going from a student at the clubs college to the first team. It’s a pretty remarkable rise and he also looked the part in pre-season against both Bradford and Leeds. Named in a couple of 21-man-squads earlier this year, the club have high hopes for Litten, who is the cousin of current Hull KR hooker Jez. Patience is the key though, they don’t want to push him too soon, despite, and by all accounts, the silky fullback performing really well in both the academy and reserve sides this season.

Read more: Brett Hodgson's Hull FC conundrum as he plots for life without key creator Jake Connor

Jacob Hookem - Making his debut against Wakefield in the final Super League round of last year, Hookem was the best thing about Hull FC that night. It was an underwhelming team performance, but the teenage half back, who can also slot in at hooker, was a bright spark. He has a good running game and loves to take the line on, whilst his passing and kicking games are also promising. After shaking off injury troubles, he’s starred in the academy and reserve sides and