Smith explains FC’S stance on Balmforth and Litten conundrum
HEAD COACH COMMENTED ON BOTH PLAYERS
TONY Smith has confirmed that young Hull FC hooker Denive Balmforth still has a “bit to work on” before playing in Super League again.
The 20-year-old came off the bench for the Black and Whites against Warrington Wolves in February but has since found first-team opportunities hard to come by.
Instead, Balmforth, who has been named in some 21-man squads, has played for Hull’s reserve grade, featuring in both the loose-forward and hooker positions in games against Bradford Bulls and Castleford Tigers.
And with a crippling injury list, not to mention Fa’amanu Brown’s appearances at half-back, many fans have questioned Balmforth’s absence, with Smith explaining that the player, who has been very “honest” about his recent performances, has to “earn the right” to play at the top level again.
“We have conversations,” Smith told Hull Live.
“Denive doesn’t want to be selected because there is no one else available.
“He wants to be selected because he’s playing well.
“I’m not sure that Denive has been able to say to me or any of those fans who think he should be selected to play that he could honestly say he has earned the right to do so.
“At the moment, he hasn’t been able to say that. He can’t come off from a reserve-grade game and say, ‘I’m really happy with my game there.’ He may do some good things throughout that game but he’s not been happy enough with his form to say, ‘Put me in first grade.’
“He’s an honest young man. He wants to be put in first grade because he deserves that right.
“He’s still got a bit to work on.” Hull’s reserves host Huddersfield Giants on Friday, with Smith challenging Balmforth to put his best foot forward and reap the reward.
“I’ve just put young Logan Moy in the first-team squad because he has been playing well,” Smith continued.
“You play well, then you get put in the squad, and you get considered.
“Unless we get some really bad injuries, more than 11 or 12, or in a certain position, maybe you’d get called up by default, but nobody wants that.
“You want to be there for good form. You want to be there because you’re form is that good, your defence is that good, your attack is that good, and you’re training so well that you deserve to be in the team. Not when you’re a bit off it.”
Smith also commented on Davy Litten, who hasn’t played at any level since coming on at Warrington.
Instead, the young full-back has been 18th or 19th man, with Hull’s head coach weighing up whether to have him in a similar role in the first-team on Saturday or play him in the reserves.
“It’s been really difficult for Davy,” Smith added.
“He hasn’t played since round two. He’s missed out, and he’s also missed reserve games because he’s been there for us, just in case we need him as 18th or 19th man.
“There’s been no moaning from him, but he is desperate to play.
“What I’ve got to weigh up with Davy is whether to play him for first grade after being out for so long or whether I play him in reserve grade first.
“I’ve got to make that decision in the next 24 hours.”