Danny Houghton disappointed to lose Hull FC captaincy but backs Luke Gale

Long-serving hooker Danny Houghton admits he was disappointed to lose the Hull FC captaincy, but has backed successor Luke Gale.

Houghton, 33, has made nearly 400 appearances for his hometown club since his debut in 2007.

But coach Brett Hodgson has opted for a leadership change ahead of the new season, selecting new signing from Leeds Gale.

The Airlie Birds won just one of their last 10 games last season and missed the play-offs.

Houghton said: “I was obviously disappointed, as you’d expect. It’s something I really enjoyed doing and was proud to do.

“Luke has come in and I’ll support him all the way. I get on with Luke really well, he’s a great kid and a really good player.

“For me there is nothing really that will change, if there’s something to be said, I’ll say it, but I’ll back him all the way.”

Houghton took over from Gareth Ellis ahead of the 2018 season, though shared captaincy duties with Scott Taylor and the now departed Marc Sneyd in 2021.

Injury worries

Hull start the new Super League season away at Wakefield, but are already engulfed by an injury crisis.

Full-back Jake Connor joined their injury list at the weekend, suffering a hand injury against Leeds.

CHANCE: Jamie Shaul to get chance as Jake Connor suffers broken hand

Forwards Taylor, Manu Ma’u, Kane Evans and Joe Cator are already missing for the trip to Belle Vue.

Houghton added: “I’m really confident in the other boys that come in.

“We can’t use any excuse, the boys taking the field will be good enough to get results. I’ve never been so confident in the group and the squad of players we have.

“We have got to get back up to where we belong and it starts with hard work. There’s no tougher test than going to Wakefield in round one. They will see us as a game to get off the mark so we need to rise to the challenge.”