Hull must step it up against Wolves
Hull FC got back to winning ways on Sunday in the capital against the London Broncos in a narrowly fought contest. It indeed looked like the Black and Whites would run away with the match, yet in usual fashion the Broncos under Danny Ward rallied with their spirit and a fair amount of skill to make it a very nervy end for those following Hull FC!
It will please coach Lee Radford that it was a victory I’m certain, the performance was gritty in the end to see the game out.
The 28-24 final score would have had everyone apprehensive given the commanding position they were in with just 11 minutes remaining.
Will Radford be happy overall with their performance? I very much doubt that.
A scratchy and patchy win in the capital will have to be improved if they are to get anything from a Warrington team who have a habit of winning games and possess much more quality in their ranks to hurt the Black and Whites.
It’s a massive step up in class.
The Black and Whites have only beaten the bottom four clubs in Super League at present and the players need a positive performance against a team fancied by many to be challenging on all fronts in 2019.
In terms of the result it’s a big match for the home team. Already trailing their visitors by four competition points, they can ill afford to be playing catch-up after half the regular season has disappeared.
With Saints looking like sure bets against KR, a loss to Wolves could well see the Black and Whites eight points off top spot after eight games.
The top five is of course everyone’s aim. It gives the opportunity to play at Old Trafford, but for the Black and Whites this weekend is a big game mentally. They need to beat a side above them on the table very soon and need to perform well against a team much fancied to build their own beliefs that they are good enough to be competitors again in 2019 for the major honours.
The players can make a big statement with a victory over the faltering Wolves who whilst they have been winning have often done so in less than convincing style.
The big players in the Black and Whites’ squad must stand up, especially with Jamie Shaul and Jake Connor missing from their team.
If Josh Griffin plays then he needs another strong game. It alters the way FC will play, more power and less width to the edge, Griffin offers a devastating ball carrier from full back as opposed to the agile and nimble Shaul.