Smith’s praise for Laidlaw’s mental attitude at Black and Whites
TONY Smith has praised young Hull FC prop Matty Laidlaw for getting past a mental block this season.
The 19-year-old played 70 minutes of the Reserves’ win over Newcastle Thunder earlier this month after spending some time on loan at the North-east club.
Now back at FC, Laidlaw got the big stint he craved, with the young prop challenged to get through those mental walls when on the field.
Making eight Super League appearances for Hull last season,
Laidlaw took a big step forward and will likely appear for the Reserves side against Salford on Saturday.
“He was great; I was really pleased for Matty,” Smith told the Mail. “He went to new levels and some levels that he hasn’t been at for some time.
“He made a real transformation there. It’s been a struggle for him this year in terms of getting to the right sort of fitness level, but I think some of that was mental, and I think he’s overcome some of that. He proved some things to himself and pushed himself beyond where he probably has been so far this year. I’m really pleased for him. He was much improved. He’s still only young, and he’s got a lot to develop yet, but he took some big steps and strides in the right direction.”
Laidlaw got through some stern work, driving the ball forward, pushing with the play in attack, and putting in some big hits in defence. Playing alongside Will Gardiner, who got through the full 80 minutes, the young duo set the tone, with Gardiner since rewarded with a first-team appearance in the Challenge Cup.
“It’s good for their development,” Smith continued. “Neither of those boys will get those minutes in first grade at the moment, but playing reserve grade or going out on loan and getting that match time is the only way that they can develop.
“It’s good to be able to give them a game and for us to be able to review that with them and give them some positive feedback as well. It gives them scope to improve.”