Hull FC membership captain Danny Houghton will name time on a stellar 18-year skilled profession on the finish of the 2024 season after saying his retirement from the game.
The 35-year outdated hooker, who’s considered one of Hull FC’s highest look makers of all time, has all the time performed for his hometown membership and can carry the curtain down on a profession that began again in 2007.
Man of Metal in 2016, a back-to-back Problem Cup Closing winner, and accountable for arguably probably the most vital second within the membership’s 159-year historical past along with his iconic ‘Sort out 52’ at Wembley Stadium when main his boyhood facet to their first win on the nationwide stadium eight years in the past, Houghton reached 450 profession appearances this season, however determined that 2024 shall be his final yr within the sport.
Houghton mentioned: “I feel prepared for this, but it’s a sad moment to bring to an end something I’ve been doing for the past 18 years, over half my life. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world, I’ve had a great ride – I’ve seen some great highs, and some lows too, but I’ve got no regrets whatsoever and I’m happy with what I have achieved in my career.
“I’ve cherished each second – even this season which has been actually robust. It’s a must to have these robust moments to help you recognize these highs.”
Houghton secured the coveted No 9 jersey in 2011, which he has held till at the present time, in addition to his first senior management function within the facet after being named vice-captain.
That yr he first received the Tremendous League Hit Man award for probably the most tackles all through the marketing campaign – a trophy he would accumulate on 5 extra events in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022.
In the identical yr, Houghton additionally turned a member of the England Knights squad, scoring on his debut towards France in October 2011.
2016 would show to be the best season of Houghton’s profession. After Hull FC battled again from being 10-0 to steer 12-10 into the ultimate minutes of the Problem Cup ultimate, his spectacular try-saving effort on Warrington’s Ben Currie gifted the membership their first Wembley win – a second etched in membership and rugby league folklore.
Houghton received the 2016 Man of Metal award
Houghton’s turned the membership’s solely ever winner of the Man of Metal accolade, in addition to being picked within the 2016 Tremendous League Dream Staff alongside 5 different Hull FC team-mates.
In 2017 he once more turned a Problem Cup trophy winner as FC went back-to-back for the primary time of their historical past – he would obtain each of these victories as vice-captain.
Houghton turned captain for the primary time in 2018 – considered one of solely three Hull-born gamers to tackle the function within the trendy period alongside Lee Radford and Scott Taylor.
Within the 2022 season, Houghton surpassed Brian Hancock to turn out to be Hull FC’s highest dwelling look maker. His subsequent look can be his 450th for the membership – a feat solely achieved by three different gamers in Ned Rogers (499), Ivor Watts (459) and Harold Bowman (451) – simply three extra appearances earlier than the top of the marketing campaign would see Houghton rise into third place within the membership’s all-time checklist.
Hull FC hooker Houghton had a stellar 18-year taking part in profession which is able to come to an in depth on the finish of the season
“As a kid, coming through the junior ranks, it felt like one game would have been enough, and that’s your dream complete. But then it turns into a bit of a whirlwind. And then before you know it, you’re coming to the end of the road,” he mentioned.
“I’ve met some great people along the way, players and coaches – some real friends for life and created some really special bonds. And that’s what this sport does, it gives you everything. Those bonds and memories and stories will last for life.
“We’re privileged to do that job and for me, to have the ability to do it for 18 years is one thing I am extremely happy with.”
Houghton’s career and achievements will be celebrated following Hull FC’s fixture against Catalans Dragons on September 20, live on Sky Sports+.
Watch every match of the 2024 Betfred Super League season, including the play-offs and men’s, women’s and wheelchair Grand Finals, live on Sky Sports and Sky Sports+. Additionally stream Tremendous League, the NRL and extra from Sky Sports activities with NOW.
