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Hull FC confirm Denive Balmforth return and Amir Bourouh exit in hooker shape up

Hull FC are going with a new hooking direction in 2027.

[On loan Hull FC hooker Denive Balmforth.]

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On loan Hull FC hooker Denive Balmforth.(Image: SW PIX)

Hull FC have confirmed that Denive Balmforth will return to the club ahead of the 2027 season, as first reported by Hull Live earlier this month.

The hooker has spent the 2026 season with Super League newcomers York Knights and has been ever-present for Mark Applegarth's side, making 25 appearances to date and scoring seven tries.

Balmforth has two years to run on his Hull deal, with the player contracted until the end of the 2028 season. He will now look to fight for his place in the FC side again under incoming head coach Steve McNamara next year, with the club believing he will come back into the fold as a more rounded player.

The 22-year-old debuted for Hull in 2022 after playing for the academy and reserves sides and has played 30 senior games for the club. He has had loan spells at Newcastle Thunder, Swinton Lions, Catalans Dragons, and York.

He will compete with the likes of Alrix Da Costa, signed from Catalans Dragons, and young dummy-half Will Hutchinson next year, with Amir Bourouh, as widely reported last month, heading to Perpignan to join Catalans.

Bourouh was signed from Salford Red Devils ahead of the 2025 season, has been granted a release from the final year of his Hull contract to join the Dragons, reuniting him with former FC coach John Cartwright.

A club statement said: "Hull FC can confirm that Denive Balmforth will return to the club ahead of the 2027 Super League season following his loan spell with York Knights.

"The club believe Denives time at York has been an important part of his continued development, giving him regular Super League minutes and the opportunity to further mature as a player.

"Hull FC can also confirm that Amir Bourouh will depart the club at the end of the 2026 Betfred Super League season. Bourouh has been released from the remainder of his contract to pursue an opportunity with Catalans Dragons in 2027.

"Everyone at Hull FC would like to thank Amir for his contribution to the club and wish him the very best for his future in the sport."

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