How have FC players fared since lockdown?
Andy Last has used 29 players since taking over as Hull FC interim head coach. The games have come thick and fast and he has been forced to use every inch of the squad depth at his disposal since his first game against Salford at the start of August.
But with a week remaining until FC take to the field once more, Last will no doubt be keen to reflect on an eventful two months of action, in which Hull have won four of their eight games.
With that in mind,we take a look back at the player performances since lockdown.
Jamie Shaul: The full-back has been in and out of the side due to injury but he’s made improvements to his game under Last, particularly with the ball in hand. 7
Bureta Faraimo: While he hasn’t found his way over the line, he has improved defensively under Last. For so long under Lee Radford he was the weak link on the edge, but he looks a safe pair of hands now and he’s been one of FC’S most consistent players since the restart. 8
Carlos Tuimavave: The centre has had a couple of off games but largely he has been Hull’s best player. He’s had to play in the halves on a couple of occasions but when he’s been on form few have been able to handle him. 8
Josh Griffin: Griffin has scored two tries since lockdown as he continues to do a job for FC. 7
Adam Swift: The winger has only made two appearances due to injury, but he scored twice in the win over Wakefield Trinity. 6
Jake Connor: He’s secured regular game time in the halves but his best performance so far this season has probably come at full-back against Castleford Tigers. 6
Marc Sneyd: Picked up an injury in the second game back against Huddersfield and missed three weeks of action. But he returned in time to feature in the Cup defeat to Wigan and he saw a return to his best form against the Tigers. 6
Scott Taylor: After picking up an injury in the build-up to the restart, he made his return to action last Thursday at Wheldon Road. 6
Danny Houghton: Dropped to the bench after the Salford loss in August but he’s risen to the challenge since with some impressive performances. 7
Chris Satae: One of the outstanding performers since lockdown.
Every time he enters the field he makes a difference as so often momentum swings Hull’s way. Got his first try in FC colours at Cas. 8
Josh Jones: Struggled in the loss to Salford and hasn’t been seen since contracting coronavirus. 5
Manu Ma’u: The Tongan has impressed since the return to action. Struggled for consistency at the start of the season but he’s been a rock in the back-row for Hull. 7
Ligi Sao: Another who continues to make an impact when he’s on the field. Has the ability to play big minutes and he’s been a vital part of the way Last has set Hull up. 8
Albert Kelly: The half-back has shown enough to suggest he’ll be a huge loss for FC when he leaves at the end of the season. 7
Joe Cator: The Hull-born forward has shown himself to be a star in the making, tying down that looseforward spot with some remarkable performances. His enthusiasm is infectious and he puts his body on the line every single week. 8
Jordan Johnstone: Impressed when he was brought into the starting line-up against Huddersfield and his form has been up and down since, but he’s another young player to show huge promise. 7
Masi Matongo: He has made two appearances since the restart and he hasn’t been able to make an impact on either occasion. 5
Brad Fash: The forward will be pleased with his displays since the season restart. He’s shown heart, passion and desire for the cause and he’s been praised highly by Last. 7
Jordan Lane: Quite possibly
Hull’s best player since lockdown. He’s been outstanding in the backrow and he’s playing at a level that would suggest he’s in the starting XIII to stay. 8
Josh Bowden: He’s been involved in some gritty wins but he’ll be keen to show more over the remaining seven games. 6
Andre Savelio: Impressive against Wakefield and didn’t put a foot wrong in the win over Castleford, but he still hasn’t been able to string together a run in the side. 7
Mahe Fonua: He’s been some way short of the form which cemented him as a hero at the KCOM Stadium throughout 2016 and 2017. He’ll be keen to make a difference between now and the end of the season. 5
Connor Wynne: Drafted into the set-up to face Wakefield and did well, but he won’t be keen to remember his performance against Wigan in the Challenge Cup. He’ll improve in time but it might still be a little early for the youngster. 6
Kieran Buchanan: Appearances have been fleeting but he’s not shown his best form since returning from lockdown. 5
Gareth Ellis: He’s impressed when called upon, especially in the Cup win over Castleford, but he’s not had a prominent role to play. 6
Jack Brown: Last showed no hesitation in placing his faith in Brown and he has repaid it with some impressive performances. He grabbed a show-stopping try against Huddersfield Giants. 7
Cameron Scott: The youngster scored his first try for Hull FC in the win over Castleford and that’s something for him to build on. 6
Ratu Naulago: The winger has been in and out. He scored a stunning try against Castleford in the Cup, though, and with a move to Bristol Bears on the cards, he’ll be keen to go out on a high. 6
Ben Mcnamara: Marked an impressive debut with a try at Wheldon Road to showcase the potential he has.