Danny Houghton: Hull FC legend to retire at end of 2024

BBC Sport rugby league reporter Matt Newsum

Danny Houghton has been such a talismanic figure for Hull FC over the past 18 years, and replacing his appetite for graft, leadership and work rate will be a major task for director of rugby Richie Myler.

Houghton did not just play for Hull in the transient way sports people sometimes do, he represented everything that a fan would want of their heroes: brave, ferociously competitive, humble, skilful and tough.

Rugby league players talk of one-percenters all the time, those little involvements that make the difference and Houghton had so many of them in black and white.

The one that stands out is his ‘tackle 52’ on Ben Currie in the 2016 Challenge Cup final against Warrington Wolves which all but put the cup in Hull’s hands and ended their Wembley curse. It was a stunning piece of defensive technique and epitomised his all-or-nothing nature.

Perhaps the only regret from his career is the fact international honours were limited to a couple of England Knights appearances.

His 2016 Man of Steel award, all-round consistency and durability, and raft of top tackler awards stacked up against the nation’s best in his position, but perhaps his work with the ball was less eye-catching than his peers, including Josh Hodgson in his spell with Canberra Raiders, St Helens legend James Roby, and current England hooker Daryl Clark.

I am sure there is comfort all the same in a magnificent career which has earned him earn living legend status in Hull, and the respect of the game of rugby league across the board.