With part one, part two and part three already covered, up next in the rising star series sees a Hull FC player put under the spotlight as a potential young-gun to watch out for in 2018. Despite the Airlie Birds having such good youth facilities and a pathway that is the envy of other Super League rivals, few of their youngsters have actually progressed all the way into the first-team. However, when FC have produced talent, their talent is amongst the best in the league; the likes of Danny Houghton, Jamie Shaul and Josh Bowden have all made a name for themselves in the top flight whilst others such as Brad Fash, Jansin Turgut and Jez Litten will be hoping to do so in the near future.
However, the rising star picked out from the Black-and-Whites is someone entirely different. A barnstorming forward that is full of determination, eager to learn from his head coach Lee Radford - a former player in his position - and with an upbringing very few can boast of in the world of Rugby League, he has the potential to etch his name firmly on to that Hull FC teamsheet in 2018.
Masimbaashe Matongo
Born in the Zimbabwe capital of Harare, Masimbaashe Matongo was brought to Hull FC after impressing for his local community club Norland Sharks as a teenager in 2014 and has since progressed through the Black-and-Whites youth system. Matongo, aged just 19 at the time, made his senior debut alongside seven other academy stars against Wigan Warriors in 2015 and was named the club’s Academy Player of the Year several weeks later – despite being at the club just over a year
Since arriving at the club, Matongo has developed into a hugely popular figure within the dressing room with his well-mannered approach off-the-field and devastating ability on it proving a big hit with his teammates.
His progression has been sensational and Matongo earned his just rewards in 2016 with another contract until the end of 2018. And, after appearing in nine first-team fixtures in 2017, the giant Zimbabwean was shortlisted for Hull's Young Player of the Year award.
At just 21 years of age, Matongo has developed into a mobile prop, and is - as is becoming increasingly necessary in Super League - capable of big minutes with barnstorming carries.
Matongo's ability to break the line is impressive at such a young age and, with a slick offload game and a turn of pace that belies his size, is surely one to look out for in 2018. With Matongo out of contract at the end of the upcoming season, he will be desperate to impress head coach Lee Radford and do enough to earn an extension.
