Hull have learnt from Warriors defeat
HULL coach Brett Hodgson is confident only a slight improvement in performance will be enough to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Betfred Challenge Cup, but Wigan boss Adrian Lam warns he has ‘something up his sleeve’.
The Black and Whites take on Wigan at Headingley today in a repeat of last season’s quarterfinal, just over a week after meeting them in Super League.
Hull were thrashed 36-4 in the cup but only two points separated the teams at the DW Stadium last Thursday with a battling display that encouraged their new boss.
“We weren’t good enough in elements to win that game but we did show that we’re good enough to put up a fight against those top teams,” Hodgson said.
“Even with our performance, we could have snuck away with a win and that says where we’re at. We processed the game
season, and revealed his contract includes an extension based on his performances this year.
“As it is at the moment, my contract has a clause in it that if I play 60 per cent of the games this year, that upgrades next year,” McQueen said.
“I’m fully planning to do that so as far as I’m concerned I’ll have that contract next year.
“I have enjoyed it here at Huddersfield. I’ve enjoyed the footy side of things.
“We’d like a bit more success, but we’ll keep working hard and get there.
“It’s been a bit difficult off the field, we’ve been in lockdown and it’s been a cold winter, the coldest I’ve ever experienced.
“Off the field it’s been a bit of a different experience but certainly around the footy side of things I’m really enjoying it.”
And that is music to Watson’s ears, as he raves about the ex-Queensland State of Origin ace.
“I like those kind of players – the Chris McQueen, Luke Yates, Matty English types. They are pretty well. We were close so small improvements this week may give us the chance to get a result this time around.”
Lam says his side were careful not to show their full hand in the 16-14 league win and kept some plays back for the cup tie.
“I think both teams sort of dipped their toe in the water last week, I know we did,” he said.
“We didn’t want to over-coach them and give away too much information. We’ve got a better feel of who they are as a team, we have a certain game plan.”