Hodgson praise for Hull’s trio
SWIFT, WYNNE AND SATAE IMPRESS COACH AS FC BOOK CUP SEMI-FINAL SPOT
BRETT Hodgson has praised Adam Swift as he took to the full-back role with ease on Saturday against Wigan Warriors.
Hull FC produced their best performance of the season to turn over Wigan at Headingley Stadium to claim their place in the semifinals of the Challenge Cup and they did so without one of their star performers.
Jake Connor was suspended for Saturday’s game after being penalised for a high tackle on Zak Hardaker a week previous and it left Hodgson with a decision to make as he prepared for the Cherry and Whites.
Despite his lack of experience, Swift has been the man asked to train in the full-back spots in Connor’s rare absence under Hodgson this year.
Nevertheless, eyebrows were raised when the team showing the winger in the number one spot filtered through an hour and a half before kick-off, with specialist fullback Connor Wynne on the bench.
However, Swift was one of Hull’s most impressive players and he rounded off a composed and comfortable performance with a try in the last play of the game.
“I thought Adam Swift was excellent,” Hodgson said.
“We could hear him, his communication was outstanding and that allowed our defenders to get in the right positions and they had trust that he knew what he was doing.
“He performed as we expected he would. Then, when Josh Griffin had to go off with a HIA, it was a necessary change we had to make and we trust that Connor Wynne has built himself into a better player than what he was 12 months ago.
“I thought he showed some really nice signs, in particular that late moment when he had to get across and save a try off the kick. I’m really proud of both those boys and the way they performed.”
Chris Satae was the undoubted man of the match, though, powering through Wigan’s line at ease and grabbing himself two tries during a series of short, high energy stints on the field, and Hodgson believes regular breaks brought the best out in him.
“He was brilliant,” the head coach added. “He got our sets rolling, we got joy off the back of Chris with his play the ball speed as well.
“The shorter stints helped him, so we’ll have a look at that going forward.”