FC will stay grounded, but they’re making sound progress
SWIFT AND CLIFFORD PULL ALL THE STRINGS FOR HULL
Hull FC got their fourth successive win with a 32-8 victory over Castleford Tigers in the Challenge Cup. Tony Smith’s side scored six tries, with Adam Swift getting a hat-trick, and one try each coming for Josh Griffin, Jack Brown, and Jordan Lane.
Job done, Hull will host St Helens in the quarter-finals next month.
Here, the Mail looks at some talking points.
Team unit
Once again, Hull’s defence stood up against Castleford.
The Tigers were makeshift, and it’s important to not forget that, but despite having a mountain of possession at the start, they couldn’t break through.
That’s a testament to Hull, who scrambled hard and kept their defensive shape.
They’ve significantly improved in defence as they get used to Smith’s systems. There is progress there and a collective buy-in.
To concede only one try in each half was a reflection of their defensive effort.
It’s been the cornerstone of recent wins as team unity and togetherness shine through.
There’s pride and there’s passion, and the supporters, 2,500 of whom followed the team to Castleford, are fully appreciating it.
Hull’s Adam Swift battle
Three tries, countless carries, solid under the high ball, and many successful defensive reads – that was a top-tier performance from Adam Swift. Labelled Hull’s very own Forrest Gump by Tony Smith postmatch, he just keeps on running.
He doesn’t look back. He doesn’t know any other way. It’s just 100 per cent every week. Even when it’s been sinister, Swift is one player you can say never deserved to be in the firing line.
He’s a grafter, and at 30, there’s no letting up. He’s one of many players still out of contract at the end of the season, and he’s one that the club, despite links of a move back to the north-west, will fight their hardest to keep.
Jake Clifford class
There have been many encouraging aspects of Hull FC, both individually and collectively, over the last month or so, but few have had a bigger impact than Jake Clifford. The Australian half-back, signed to lead the side around the field, is doing exactly that.
Clifford is a box of tricks. He has a bit of everything to his game. There’s a will to run, to chance his arm and back himself, to pass, to offload, to kick, to set the structure and go off the cuff, and in defence, to do his bit.
He’s been a superb signing and is getting better and better.
Once again, there were classy touches at Castleford. He linked the play well, took on the first receiver role, and also popped up out wide.
He was involved in most of the tries, but his highlight was the pass for Swift’s hat-trick score. Silky and sublime. He just keeps on doing it.
The youth plan
Hull’s long-term plan is youth, and they are not deviating away from that plan. So far this year, Davy Litten has starred in Super League, and the Academy is five from six after an impressive win at last year’s champions Leeds Rhinos on Friday.
Will Gardiner has also been rewarded for impressive displays in the Reserves with three first-grade appearances this year, and now Nick Staveley has been given his debut.
On the fringes for a while,
Staveley, by many accounts, has impressed on loan at Newcastle, and after being in a couple of 21-man squads and featuring at Wire as the 18th man, he finally got his opportunity. Staveley held his own.
He came on in the second half, playing on the left edge, and did nothing wrong.
The 19-year-old has been praised by Tony Smith, who was delighted to see him run out at this level for the first time. There’s plenty more to come here as Hull front their youth development with the right principles and values.
Staying grounded
For all the recent encouragement, there is still improvement in this FC team. They will need to improve as well, as there are more stern challenges to come, starting at Salford.
While progress is welcome, Hull can still get better. There is room to be more clinical in attack, for shapes to get crisper, and for timing to get more precise. In defence, Hull can be firmer, more solid, and really assert their ruck control. And as far as perception goes, redemption is still the word.
Hull know the cliches here. There’s a long way to go, and despite four wins, no one at the club will get carried away. Instead, the aim is to keep fighting on a united front, keep believing in the system, and make sure their effort levels are maxed out. That’s all they can do, and that’s all anyone will ask of them.