The Problems at Hull FC (Tuesday 14th June 2022)

 Hull FC had started the year somewhat decently, sitting in 5th place at the end of May, which is respectable for a Hull side who were expected to struggle this year.

However, when playing Wakefield Trinity a few weeks ago, Jake Connor picked up an injury, resulting in Brett Hodgson to make the decision to take off the former England international.

Hull FC and their head coach Brett Hodgson confirmed last week that their star fullback would be out for "a minimum of 10-12 weeks." This should see Connor return for the last few weeks of the regular season or the play offs should Hull get there. This brings us on to Hull's first problem.

Jake Connor donning the famous black and white jersey

Hull have almost entirely built there team around Connor. So far this season, the fullback has tallied an impressive 26 try assists. This accounts for a total of around 60% of Hull's tries this season. Therefore, it is understandable as to why Hull fans were worried from the evening of the Trinity game when Brett Hodgson told Hull Daily Mail that Connor would go for scans during the following week.

Last season, Jake Connor picked up a similar injury keeping him out for a few months. Hull only won 1 game in 11 attempts while Connor was out.

Hull are better prepared this time round to deal with Connor's absence. Jamie Shaul has returned from an achilles injury and Connor Wynne is also fit. New signing Darnell McIntosh can also play in Connor's native fullback position. Shaul was the choice opted for on Saturday against Catalans. The Brit has Super League pedigree, making 185 appearances for Hull and being their regular full back for multiple years.

Connor was sent off in Round 1 of this season at Belle Vue, showing it is not a happy hunting ground for him. The Black and Whites would go on to lose their next game at a snowy MKM stadium against champions St. Helens 38-6, further showing how much of a loss Connor is to the Airlie Birds. 

In the game with Saints, ex-Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos player Luke Gale was sent off. It was then that Hull fans started to question the ability of their spine. Neither Luke Gale or Josh Reynolds have managed to step up when needed this season, leaving fans wanting them gone.

Luke Gale (Pre Season 2022)

Brett Hodgson was quick to do away with claims his halves were not capable, however. He claimed that it was "a work in progress". "They are trying their hardest at the moment but it didn't click today (Catalans game on Saturday)" he told Hull Daily Mail. This isn't the first time that the halves haven't delivered however, with Gale missing a whopping 7 games this season through suspension.

However, with Hull teammate Darnell McIntosh backing up his coach and "refusing to put the blame on his halfbacks", Hull fans have been left wondering just how much longer they will have to deal with this mediocrity.

It is not all doom and gloom in the halves department however. The signing of Castleford Tigers halfback Jake Trueman is all but confirmed now. Castleford head coach Lee Radford confirmed this last Tuesday when he slipped up and said "With Truey (Trueman) obviously going,..." in a press conference. Matthew Shaw confirmed he will be a Hull FC player in 2023. 

Hodgson and Hull FC also offered an update on injury stricken half back Ben McNamara last Thursday morning. "Ben McNamara meanwhile is still progressing with his back injury, and is expected to return to action in three weeks time." The back injury has kept the young halfback out for a few months, and no doubt he will be eager to get back in the line.

The Black and Whites lost to McNamara's dad's team, the Catalans Dragons, last weekend, conceding 36 points and only scoring 8.

Hull FC also have the option of putting new signing Joe Lovodua in the halves. He played in that position for the Black and Whites earlier in the year, most notably away at Wigan. However, for the last few rounds, the Combined Nations All Stars international has featured on the bench rather than in the starting team. Hull fans have questioned this choice.

The 23 year old will be a Hull player next year

This and other team selections have also left some Hull fans confused. However, some changes have undoubtedly benefitted Hull, such as starting Chris Satae on the bench for impact.

It remains to be seen whether these issues will affect Hull in the remainder of the season. Their next game is away at Warrington Wolves next Friday (24th June) at 8.00pm.