Pele back with right attitude
TONY Smith is backing Hull FC prop Franklin Pele to return with the right attitude and demeanour at Hull KR today.
The 22-year-old is set for a tasty reception at Craven Park following his red card in the season opener back in February.
Pele was sent off for a swinging arm on Rovers forward Elliot Minchella, with the incident followed by a three-match suspension. On his return, the forward then received another one-game ban for a late hit on Leigh Leopards loan hooker Brad Dwyer, with Pele playing just two of Hull’s six games this season.
However, Smith has praised the player’s character since joining the club, with the front rower set to go straight back into the side.
Speaking on Pele, Smith said: “The longer he’s here, the more he’ll understand the game here, but Frank is fine. He wanted to be playing in every game, and he’s had a couple of misdemeanours, one of which was way more serious than the other.
“He’s been really positive since he got here, and he remains that way, as we all do. It hasn’t been ideal, but some things in life don’t fall that way. That’s the test of character, and once again, Frank is fine.”
Pele will be joined by Jack Ashworth, who has also served a two-game suspension for a tackle on Catalans’ Chris Satae. FC were also dealt some welcome news on Monday as Ligi Sao avoided a ban after his yellow card for a late hit on Huddersfield’s Jake Connor.
Asked if common sense had prevailed, Smith said: “Absolutely. Ligi’s was a sin bin, and that’s all it should be. That’s enough. They affect the outcomes of games, so sin bins and send-offs are enough. Any more than that would have been crazy.”
Smith also believes other incidents have received more lenient treatment after a crazy start with cards and suspensions.
“We went too far with some of that and we’re seeing less severity in how people are now being treated,” Smith added. “It went from 0 to 100 really quickly, and that was realised. A few mistakes were made, and people have tried to correct them. Some of our own indiscretions have been our doing as well, so I think everybody is learning along the way.”