Hull FC have confirmed that Luke Gale has been named as first-team captain for the 2022 Betfred Super League campaign.

The England international half-back, former captain of both Castleford and Leeds, will lead the Black & Whites into the new campaign after joining the club in November.

One of Super League’s stand-out half-backs over the last decade, Hull have acquired the services of the former Steve Prescott Man of Steel for the new season, who has amassed over 320 career appearances, scoring 115 tries and kicking 731 goals, representing Doncaster, London Broncos [Harlequins], and Bradford, alongside the two West Yorkshire sides in the Rhinos and the Tigers.

Having made a significant impact on the squad since his arrival with his unquestionable leadership qualities, head coach Brett Hodgson made the announcement to the playing group earlier today during the third day of their pre-season training camp at Loughborough University’s Elite Athlete Centre.

✅ Captain's Run, checked off! 💪

⚫⚪ #COYH | #JacuzziPerformance pic.twitter.com/vWEWAF91eO

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) January 21, 2022

Hodgson acknowledged the significant contributions that former captains Danny Houghton and Scott Taylor have made to the group in their leadership positions, before naming FC’s new captain – the 59th player in Hull’s history to take the role.

Gale led his first session as skipper in this afternoon’s Captain’s Run, ahead of tomorrow’s training match against Betfred Championship side London Broncos.

Speaking after earning the captaincy for 2022, Gale said: “It’s a massively proud moment for me, and a huge honour and privilege. I’m really excited for this opportunity and the year ahead.

“Hull FC is a massive club and I’ve played against this team for many years and for my name to be up there with so many of them former captains is really special for me.

“I’ve got a lot of experience – this is my 14th pre-season and I’ve played a lot of games. I’m not perfect, and I don’t have every answer, but I go out there and give it 110% and put the team first every time I go onto the field.

“I do my best to lead from the front, be vocal, and lead by example.”

🗣️ "A great honour and a real privilege."

©️ What it means to Luke Gale to be named Hull FC captain for 2022…

⚫⚪ #COYH pic.twitter.com/hql04tANV1

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) January 21, 2022

He added: “I want to thank Danny Houghton and Scott Taylor, who I think who have done a great job with the captaincy; there are a lot of leaders in this team and they’re two of the biggest. They’re both stalwarts and a modern day legends for what they have given to this team.”

On the decision to appoint Gale as his captain, Brett Hodgson added: “Luke has come to our club with outstanding pedigree. He has played at an international level, and the amount of leadership he has brought into our group has been immense.

“He leads by example, he isn’t afraid to challenge senior players but he encourages junior players too, which is an important trait for our captain.

“I said at the back end of last year that we were going to change our captain and I think he is a fresh voice who can inspire those around him. I’m impressed with what he has shown so far and I’m excited to see more from him.”