Tom Briscoe Returns to Hull FC After Over a Decade
Last week, former England international Tom Briscoe made his long-awaited return to Hull FC, joining the club in a swap deal that saw Darnell McIntosh move in the opposite direction to Leigh. Briscoe’s senior Super League debut for the Black & Whites came more than 16 years ago, in February 2008.
Though he was unavailable for their recent fixture against Leeds Rhinos – another of his former clubs – Briscoe could feature in Friday’s clash against Warrington Wolves, the opponent of his inaugural appearance back in 2008. Reminiscing on that historic debut, the 34-year-old’s former Hull FC teammates from that day have since gone on to varying degrees of success in and out of the sport.
Former Teammates’ Journeys
“Motu Tony, a Kiwi international, departed Hull in 2009 and later returned as the club’s General Manager before heading back to New Zealand to take on a similar role with the national team.”
Australian Todd Byrne, a Grand Final winner, saw his contract cut short due to a season-ending injury in 2009. Local lad Craig Hall, who scored two tries that day, is still playing in the Championship with Doncaster.
Seasoned international Shaun Berrigan spent the entirety of his British career with Hull, departing in 2011 after the passing of his father, and returning to Australia to play for the Warriors and Raiders before entering the mining industry. Danny Williams, capped twice for England, had a brief loan spell with the club that year.
Danny Washbrook, a Hull native, is the only player from that debut lineup still active, having made nearly 300 appearances for the Airlie Birds over two stints, including Challenge Cup triumphs in 2016 and 2017. He is now the Director of a construction agency in his hometown.
Briscoe’s Successful Career
As for Tom Briscoe himself, the versatile outside back went on to enjoy a hugely successful career, winning two Super League titles with Leeds Rhinos after leaving Hull in 2013. He also earned 18 England caps before joining Leigh in 2021, and now returns to the MKM Stadium with over 400 career appearances under his belt.
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