Smith: How can you not be inspired by our fans?
TONY Smith has paid tribute to Hull FC’S fans for the role they played in the Challenge Cup win over Castleford Tigers.
Over 2,000 Black and Whites made the trip to West Yorkshire to watch their team make the quarterfinals with a resounding 32-8 win.
Hull scored six tries, with Adam Swift getting a hat-trick and one each from Josh Griffin, Jack Brown, and Jordan Lane.
Smith was inspired by the support, with Hull’s fans doing their bit in recent home wins and now continuing the trend during this six-week period on the road.
“How good were they?” Smith told the Mail. “It was like they were defending with us on our try line at the start of the game. They were right there on top of the players. They sounded like they were all defending. We’re really grateful.
“It was a beautiful day for them to come and support us. They could have easily gone and done other things as well. I’m glad they chose us. I hope they’re happy, and I hope we rewarded them for the faith they’ve shown in us. Hopefully, they enjoyed some of the footy as some of it was really good.
“They spur you on. How can you not get inspired by them? You hear them at the end, but all through the game, they’re cheering. It’s great.
“It sounds like they’re enjoying it. I was. I really enjoyed it. I’m pleased when we can go home and feel like we’ve done a good job. I think the players can feel that.”
Smith was delighted with the effort put in by his team, with Hull defending their line early on and standing tall. They showed a desire to keep Castleford out and scrambled well to do so. In the attack, there were slick moments but also some things to work on.
“I just want my players to give everything in each game that they play,” Smith added. “Just go out there every week and give it your all. That’s rugby league.
“That’s what you’re asked to do, from being a kid through to becoming a professional.
“We did a pretty good job here. There are areas where we overplayed at times, but I’d rather overplay than underplay. I’d rather the players go for some things and maybe mess up than be too scared to be adventurous. We’re still finding our boundaries. It’s all good.”