Hull FC club captain Danny Houghton will end his 18-year professional career at the end of the 2024 season after announcing his retirement from the sport.
The 35-year-old hook, who is one of Hull FC’s all-time top scorers, has always played for his hometown club and will end a career that began in 2007.
The Man of Steel in 2016, the Challenge Cup Final winner is back, and was responsible for the most important moment in the club’s 159-year history with the iconic ‘Tackle 52’ at Wembley Stadium as he led the youth team to their first. won the national stadium eight years ago, Houghton reached 450 career appearances this season, but decided that 2024 will be his last year in the sport.
Houghton has played for his hometown club throughout his career
Houghton said: “I feel prepared for this, but it’s a sad moment to end something I’ve been doing for the past 18 years, over half of my life. I wouldn’t change anything for the world, I’ve had a good ride – I’ve seen some great heights , and some are very low, but I do not regret anything and I am happy with what I have achieved in my career.
“I’m loving every moment – even though this season has been very difficult. You have to have difficult times to allow yourself to appreciate the highest.”
Houghton got the coveted number 9 shirt in 2011, which he holds until now, as well as his first senior leadership role in the team after being named vice-captain.
That year, he won the Super League Hit Man award for the first time for the most tackles in a campaign – a trophy he would collect on five more occasions in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022.
In the same year, Houghton was also a member of the England Knights squad, scoring on his debut against France in October 2011.
2016 will be the best season of Houghton’s career. After Hull FC fought back from 10-0 down to lead 12-10 going into the final minute of the Challenge Cup final, Warrington’s Ben Currie’s spectacular save gifted the club their first win at Wembley – a moment that stood out for both club and rugby. league folklore.
Houghton won the 2016 Man of Steel award
Houghton became the only club to win the Man of Steel award, as well as being selected in the 2016 Super League Dream Team alongside five other Hull FC teammates.
In 2017, he won the Challenge Cup again as FC went back-to-back for the first time in their history – he would achieve both victories as vice-captain.
Houghton became captain for the first time in 2018 – one of three Hull-born players to take up the role in the modern era alongside Lee Radford and Scott Taylor.
In the 2022 season, Houghton overtook Brian Hancock to become Hull FC’s top goalscorer. His next appearance would be his 450th for the club – a feat only achieved by three other players in Ned Rogers (499), Ivor Watts (459) and Harold Bowman (451) – just three more appearances before the end of the campaign would appear. Houghton moved up to third on the club’s all-time list.
Hull FC Houghton’s hooker has a stellar 18-year playing career that will come to an end at the end of the season.
“As a child, coming through the junior ranks, it felt like one game was enough, and the dream was complete. But then it became a bit of a whirlwind. Then before you know it, you will come to the end of the road,” he said.
“I have met some great people along the way, players and coaches – some real friends for life and made some really special bonds. And what is this sport, give everything. Those bonds and memories and stories will last for life. .
“We are privileged to do this project and for me, to be able to do it for 18 years I am incredibly proud.”
Houghton’s career and achievements will be celebrated after Hull FC’s match 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 the men’s, women’s and wheelchair Grand Finals, live on Sky Sports and Sky Sports+. Also stream Super League, NRL and more from Sky Sports with NOW.
