Semi-final hurt has to act as our motivation
TAYLOR ON HOW LAST SEASON’S FAILURE CAN PROVIDE PLATFORM FOR HULL SUCCESS IN 2021
THE disappointment of last season must act as motivation for Hull FC this time around, says vice-captain Scott Taylor.
The Black and Whites came within touching distance of a home Grand Final last year as a late surge of form secured them an unlikely play-off semi-final berth.
However, their campaign was brought to an abrupt halt at the DW Stadium by Wigan Warriors, who restricted Hull to just two points as they swept aside Andy Last’s men and advanced to the final game of the season.
A lot has changed at Hull since that semi-final clash with Brett Hodgson taking the head coach reins and bringing a renewed belief that this year Hull can compete for silverware.
Taylor, though, is hoping he and his team-mates can use the pain of that November evening to their advantage in the coming months.
“I hope so,” the forward said when asked whether he felt the way last season ended was a motivating factor. “It’s still fresh in my mind.
“People say it was a success that we got to the semi but no one wants to lose a semi-final and that was one of the things we spoke about, it needs to stay fresh in the memory.
“But, I think we’re a different team now. We need to look back at that hurt and the disappointment and not want that feeling again.
“On the other side of things it’s going to be a fresh look with Hodgson with different ideas and different team mindset and game plan.
“It’s shown how much more we need to work and how much is needed to get to that next level.”
The prop has an added incentive this year with a World Cup fast approaching and Shaun Wane keeping his options open when it comes to selecting his squad for the tournament.
Injury saw Scott Taylor drop out of the fold last season and while there was no fixture he was overlooked when the England head coach named his final squad of the year.
Nevertheless, Wane has left the door open for Taylor and others by claiming he’ll pick those who perform best throughout the year and if the forward can find form and consistency this season he’ll have a chance to adding to his three caps in the autumn.
The 29-year-old isn’t thinking that far ahead though, and as he continues to build towards the new season his sole focus is on impressing in a black and white shirt.
“I’ve spoken to Waney a few times and I want to be part of it, but it’s a long way away for me now,” he said.
“My full concentration has to be on being fully fit and playing well for Hull FC.
“Yeah, I want a crack at playing in the World Cup in my home country, of course I do, but that’s very far away for me at the minute and I’m trying not to think about that at all, I’m just thinking about being fully fit and being the best player I can be for Hull.”