Connor Barley ready to make his mark at Hull FC after landing reunion move

Connor Barley is looking forward to getting 'stuck in' at Hull FC after penning a one-year deal with the club.

The young outside back is Hull's eighth new signing for the 2027 season and joins from Championship outfit Goole Vikings after spending the year alongside Scott Taylor – who will also return to the Black and Whites next season as an assistant coach under Steve McNamara.

A former Skirlaugh junior, Barley is the nephew of former Hull FC and Hull KR half-back Paul Cooke. He made his senior debut as a 17-year-old, coming through the ranks at the Robins and making four first-team appearances. He's also had loan spells at York Knights, Featherstone Rovers and London Broncos and joins Hull having scored 20 tries in 23 appearances for Goole this season.

Adding welcome depth and competition to the wing positions, the 22-year-old stands at 6ft1in and will now look to make his mark at FC alongside the likes of Bailey Hodgson, Daly Cherry-Evans, Isaac Liu, Alrix Da Costa, Jordan Swann, Joshua Coric, and Junior Pauga. Max Wood has also signed a loan deal with Hull, albeit that move is still to be confirmed.

"I’m buzzing," Barley said of his Hull deal. "I can’t wait to be back in that full-time environment – that’s something I’ve really missed this year.

"Looking back, I took being in a full-time environment for granted the first time around. So having that year away made me realise how much I do want it. Now I’m really looking forward to getting in there at FC and getting stuck in."

On working with Taylor again, Barley continued: "A massive part of building my confidence back up this year was Tag, so when the opportunity came up, it was a no-brainer to come to FC. Having a coach who instils so much belief into you can make you play ten times better than you actually think you can."

Hull Chief Executive Richie Myler added: "We’re pleased to make Connor our eighth addition for 2027 – he offers us size, power, and importantly depth in our outside-backs.

"Connor is a local lad who knows what it means to represent a club from this city. His try-scoring record this season is impressive, and we’re excited to see him make the step-back up to Super League after an important year of development."

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