BEWARE & HYDE

Quiet Connor set to roar

ENGLAND’S mixed-up kid hopes New Zealand will feel the full force of his split personality today.

Jake Connor is so quiet off the pitch that England boss Wayne Bennett refers to him as “an understated guy who doesn’t say much.”

But, on the field, the Hull star turns into a snarling wind-up merchant who thrives on getting under opponents’ skins.

Stunning

It’s a tactic that works so well that several teams have lost their way against Hull this season because of Connor’s antics.

And the utility star admits he’ll be the same in the first Test today in front of his home crowd.

“I’m laid back and chilled out but everyone knows what I’m like on the field,” he said.

“Once I cross that white line something comes out of me that is sometimes out of control.”

Connor made a stunning England debut off the bench in the mid-season win over the Kiwis in Denver and also starred in the halves against France last week.

But playing in front of the Hull fans is even more special for the 24-yearold, who starts in the centres.

He said: “It’s spine-tingling playing for your country – it’s one of the best things you can do in the sport.

“I can’t wait. It’s a massive occasion, the start of a three-Test series, and what better place to start than the KCOM.”

Wigan’s Grand Final-winning star Oliver Gildart, who was a late call-up to the squad, will make his debut, also in the centres.

He gets the nod ahead of St Helens centre Mark Percival and said: “It is pretty crazy.

“As a young kid growing up this was a massive dream of mine, so it is a huge honour.

“Before I came into camp I was really nervous about getting in, it was pretty daunting, but I feel settled now.

“It will probably be the toughest game of my life. If we get the win it will be really special.”