Hull’s half-term report looks good
Hull FC have reached the half-way point in the Super League season and it’s fair to say Brett Hodgson will be pleased with what he’s seen from his side so far. The Black and Whites currently sit fifth in the table but they’re breathing down the necks of those above them and in the coming months they’ll fancy their chances of breaking into the top four.
There’s been highs and lows and a number of individuals have impressed so far. With that in mind, the Mail has taken a look at the season to dish out some awards.
Player of the season so far: Jake Connor
In truth there are a number of candidates but it’s hard to look beyond FC’S chief creative threat, Jake Connor.
The full-back has produced a number of devastating performances to blow away teams and he certainly did that last time out, picking up five assists against Wigan Warriors.
He went one better against Salford Red Devils earlier in the year, setting up six and getting over himself, too.
He’s collected 22 assists so far from just 12 appearances and as it stands, he’s in with a shout of winning the Man of Steel award.
Honourable mentions go to Ligi Sao, Manu Ma’u and Brad Fash, who have been outstanding so far.
Young player of the season so far: Jack Brown
He’s been in the first team for some time now but Brown is still only 21 and he’s improving all the time.
The forward has taken on a key role under Hodgson featuring in the loose-forward role more often than not and he hasn’t missed a game yet, featuring in every one of FC’S matches.
He’s earned himself a call-up to the England Knights squad and looks to be enjoying himself on the field right now. Connor Wynne deserves a mention for this one, having caught the eye in the centre role so far this year.
Best try: Cam Scott vs Salford Red Devils
Again, there’s been a number of contenders for this one, but Scott’s efforts to touch down against Salford in February just edged it.
It was a fine team move, with the ball moving through the hands of FC’S right edge quickly before Ben Mcnamara put Scott through a gap.
From there the centre had plenty to do, but produced a moment of brilliance to chip the ball over the head of Ryan Brierley and touch down in the corner.
Best game: Hull 31-22 Wigan
FC’S most recent win had a bit of everything. The Black and Whites ran out into an early lead at the MKM and looked too hot to handle for the Challenge Cup finalists.
Wigan came back into the contest and they drew level in the second half through Bevan French. The Black and Whites showed their character and kept their cool to deliver the points as Chris
Satae went over late.
Best signing: Joe Lovodua
The Fijian hooker has been a breath of fresh air and has wasted no time in becoming a crowd favourite. His energy, dynamism and versatility has been vital and the club deserve some credit for plucking him out of the Australian parttime ranks and giving him the platform to prove himself.
FC made four signings over the off-season and Darnell Mcintosh and Kane Evans are growing into the season, too. Luke Gale has had his moments, but will be looking to make more of an impact in the second half of the season.
Most improved: Jack Brown
As mentioned above, Brown hasn’t missed a game yet and he’s enjoying the best season of his young career to date. He struggled to catch the eye of Hodgson last year and as a result he found match time hard to come by.
He’s clearly made big improvements to his game, though, over the last year or so and he’s reaping the rewards.
Best moment: Leeds away
The Black and Whites were hugely disappointed by their performance against Castleford Tigers and they were certainly motivated to put that right at Headingley against Leeds.
They were depleted in numbers and Hodgson made some interesting calls when it came to selection with Lovodua making his first appearance in the halves, but FC showed heaps of character to pull off a memorable win.
Connor was unplayable, scoring twice, while Andre Savelio, Adam Swift and Lovodua also got over.