WAKEFIELD VS HULL FC TALKING POINTS
HULL FC travel to Wakefield tomorrow, looking to keep in check with the Super League top four.
Here the Mail take a look at some of the talking points ahead of the round 14 clash.
Kicking On
FC have won four of their last five games, beating Warrington, Catalans, Toulouse and Wigan. It’s given them some breathing space inside the play-off positions, but they will be all too aware of how quickly things can change.
At the halfway stage last season, Hull were ticking along nicely, before a poor run of form saw them finish eighth. The challenge this season is to not let history repeat itself, and right now at least, their attitude and spirit seems to be on point to ensure just that.
Hull have a swagger about them. Focusing on hard graft, completion, and defensive energy, they have also found a balance within their attack. The way they blew Toulouse away was very easy on the eye, yet it was the six tries scored against Wigan that made a few people stand up and take notice.
Hull were excellent, and whilst the cut out passes, offloads, and silky attack are all great to watch, they were just as prepared to roll their sleeves up for all the tough stuff too.
That grind ultimately saw them home, and it wasn’t the first time we’ve seen it this year.
As long as Hull stick to those standards, then they will have earned the right to show the more flashier side of their game. Currently, there is a balance, and it’s showing in results.
Connor response
This week’s big story has been Jake Connor’s links to the NRL. The Mail reported this week Canberra Raiders are an interested club, with two more thought to be keeping tabs on him.
In attack, Connor has been nothing short of outstanding. He has 22 try assists, with five coming in the win over Wigan. That was a masterclass, and despite a solid team performance, Hull wouldn’t have seen the win out without their number one.
With the links made this week, you can guarantee that even more focus will be on Connor, so it’ll be interesting to see how he responds. Hull will be favourites at Wakefield, but they can’t afford to be caught cold. They’ve got to stick to their processes before they start to sling the ball around, but make no mistake about it, it’ll all come through their star man.
Wakefield threat
In his pre-match press conference, Brett Hodgson was all too aware of Wakefield’s threats. They are second from bottom, but Hull’s head coach was quick to point out luck and the injuries they have faced.
Hodgson was modest enough not to mention his own side’s disruption too, and instead focused on what his side need to do to contain their opposition. Hull can’t afford to take Wakefield lightly. Their own recent record at Belle Vue shows that.
Hodgson credit
Brett Hodgson has turned things around at Hull last year. His side finished last season in atrocious form, but they have picked themselves up this year and look every bit a genuine play-off threat.
Talk beyond that is probably still a little premature, but facts are facts and Hull are in a good position. It’s certainly better than many pundits gave them credit for, but the job is only half done. This is exactly the type of game a top four challenger should be winning. No pressure, then.