There’s a long way to go, but victory was stepping stone
BLACK AND WHITES DESERVE TO CELEBRATE SUCCESS
“We’re absolutely desperate for the win.” That was head coach Simon Grix’s view prior to Hull FC’S game against Leeds Rhinos, and it couldn’t have been closer to the truth.
Defeating the Rhinos 18-10 on their MKM Stadium return, Hull showed the level of desperation required for victory.
They had grit, determination, pride, commitment, and spirit. It was a proper team effort, with the togetherness and willingness to dig in for one another there to see.
They had a desire for everything they did. They were assertive in defence, with some big contacts, and when they were exposed, they scrambled and hung on. They had a real go, and that was appreciated by the 12,166 crowd.
Of course, there is still a long, long way to go. One win doesn’t mask what’s gone on before, but it’s a stepping stone, and given this side has shown small steps of improvement, London aside, in the last seven games, they deserve to celebrate it.
Make no mistake about it, that full-time hooter sounded sweet for everyone connected to Hull FC. The 11-match losing run prior to victory was one of the worst in the club’s entire history, and to end it would have felt good, but there’ll be no cases of getting carried away.
Leeds were also far from the best version of themselves, but the old adage is that you can only beat what’s put in front of you. Hull did that, and it should have been more comfortable than it was. The Black and Whites had the chance to blow Leeds away, and it quite easily could have been a bigger win.
However, that takes nothing away from what Hull delivered.
The full team played their part, from the pack, which, as one unit, put in their best account of the season, to the outside backs and halves. The intent was there to be seen. They hung in there and then got their rewards, fully deserving the win.
And while the team unit stood out, from captain for the day Brad Fash to the returning Carlos Tuimavave, the biggest talking point is undoubtedly Denive Balmforth, who came off the bench and contributed to all three Hull tries. Balmforth is a popular player at the club.
He’s well liked by fans and evidently by his teammates too, with the hooker leading the victory song post-match. Against Leeds, he justified the hype.
Again, nobody is going to suggest that a 20-year-old is the finished article, but he has assets to his game that make him a real handful.
He’s elusive, quick, and a genuine threat to the opposition. Supporting a Yusuf Aydin offload, he gave Hull the field position for their first try, scored the second himself, and played two roles in the third, slinging the ball out to the right edge.
In Grix’s words, Balmforth’s performance gave the club “something to think about.” He’s out of contract at the end of the season, and the powers that be have a big call to make.
Of course, there’s development in Balmforth’s game with the player challenged to work on some finer details, but he’s a confident kid who loves this club. He doesn’t want to leave; that’s a fact, and he wants to fight for his spot.
Hull don’t want another Jez Litten scenario here, and there’s certainly an argument for Balmforth, whom the club has invested in for three years now, to be kept on for another season.
Elsewhere, Hull’s two teenagers, Logan Moy and Lewis Martin, showed just why they have been rewarded with new deals.
They never looked out of place at this level, while the likes of Herman Ese’ese and Ligi Sao drove Hull forward with Jake Trueman and Ben Reynolds growing as a half-back combination.
Jordan Lane too was solid and Cam Scott continued his recent good form.
All in all, there was plenty to like about Hull’s display. The challenge now is to keep getting better and hopefully attack the second half of the season with some confidence.
Do that, and more wins will follow, but for now, that can certainly go down as a big step in the right direction.