Hull FC winger Lewis Martin views Super League play-off qualification as non-negotiable for the 2026 season. The 2025 top try scorer with 25 tries in 27 rounds believes anything less than reaching the post-season would constitute a failure for the Black and Whites under new expectations.

Despite improvements under coach John Cartwright last season, Hull narrowly missed play-offs as Wakefield claimed sixth spot. Martin acknowledges the added pressure following strong new signings including James Bell, Sam Lisone, Joe Batchelor, and Jake Arthur, with expectations rising at the KC Stadium ahead of their opener against Bradford Bulls.

"I think anything but the playoffs will be a failure," Martin told Sky Sports. The young winger wants to prove himself alongside established leader Zak Hardaker while maintaining the team connection they've built. After his breakout 2025, Martin focuses on sustaining performance rather than getting ahead of himself.