Bailey Hodgson is coming home. The 23-year-old full-back has signed a two-year deal with Hull FC and will join the Black and Whites for the 2027 Betfred Super League season, the club confirmed on 4 August (Hull FC).

Hodgson is Hull-born, and the move carries obvious personal weight. "It means a lot to get the opportunity to sign for my hometown club," he said (BBC Sport). He becomes Hull FC's first confirmed addition for the 2027 campaign.

His career path has already taken in plenty of miles. Hodgson started out at Castleford Tigers before heading to Australia, where he had spells with the Newcastle Knights and the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL — Australia's top rugby league competition. He returned to England with Leigh Leopards in 2025, spending two seasons there under head coach Adrian Lam (Serious About Rugby League.

Now he is heading to a club with a new face in the coaching setup. Hodgson cited head coach Steve McNamara as a key draw. "I'm excited to work with Steve McNamara, who I massively respect," he said (BBC Sport). The full-back role — the last line of defence and a primary attacking weapon in rugby league — suits Hodgson's combination of defensive reliability and attacking flair, and Hull FC described the signing as an exciting addition for 2027 (Hull FC).

For Hull FC supporters, the appeal is straightforward. A local player with NRL experience and two solid seasons at Leigh choosing the Black and Whites over other options is exactly the kind of recruitment that builds optimism. Hodgson's versatility — comfortable at full-back and capable of filling in across the back line — gives McNamara options as he shapes his first squad.

The signing was briefly overshadowed by a health scare. Hodgson was hospitalised due to illness shortly after the move was first reported (Hull Daily Mail). The club's confirmation on 4 August that the deal is locked in for 2027 suggests any immediate concerns have been addressed, though details of his recovery have not been made public.

Hodgson still has the remainder of the 2026 season to see out at Leigh before making the switch. For now, the headline writes itself: a Hull lad is coming back, and Hull FC have their first building block for 2027 in place.