HOOD’S GOT THE X FACTOR
Liam shrugs off jokes after song disaster
LIAM HOOD has been taking the “fight” jibes on the chin after getting mocked in a spoof talent act.
The Wakefield hooker’s attempt to sing Cheryl’s Fight For This Love at a World Cup audition show bombed miserably.
Host and comedian Lloyd Griffith told him to stop singing, saying: “We loved the optimism and passion but it wasn’t great.”
Scotland star Hood, who hopes to lead Wakefield to a fourth successive win today, laughed: “It was a bit of fun but I was stitched up.
“I was told it was a World Cup promo and I’d just got to say a couple of words on camera so I didn’t think it was too bad.
“Then I was told I had to sing. I don’t mind singing after a couple of beers when I’m in the pub and there’s karaoke but not when I’m sober.
“I’ve been copping quite a bit of stick off the lads.
Anything that happens now, they ask if I’m going to “fight, fight, fight” for it.”
While his singing career might be dead in the water, Hood, 30, is happy to keep up the battle on the field for Willie Poching’s side.
He said: “We’re in a really good place as a team at the moment, everyone is happy.”
The Yorkshire outfit lost their opening four games, including narrow defeats to Hull FC and Catalans, but then beat Toulouse and Warrington – before going on to knock the Wolves out of the Challenge Cup.
Hood said: “We were disappointed with the first four performances, especially the Hull and Catalans games.
“With a bit more discipline we could have maybe got the points. We felt like we lost, more than them winning.
“But we worked on where we needed to improve and that first win over Toulouse took the pressure away and we got more confident.
“We got two good wins at Warrington, coming from behind both times.
“This team will never lie down and give up. We will always keep fighting for each other.”
Hood had a season at today’s opponents Salford in 2015 but his contract was cut short and he dropped into the second tier with Swinton.
“Things didn’t really work out at Salford and I felt it was
best to part ways,” said Hood, who has also had spells at Leeds, Leigh and Widnes before joining Wakefield for this season.
“But I’ve no regrets. I enjoyed my time there and they’ve got some really good people around the club and a good loyal fan base.
“I feel really happy now and that’s helping my rugby.
“If everything is good off the field it makes life on the field so much easier.
“I’m playing with a smile on my face now.”