‘Felt great’ Brad Fash lists catalysts for Hull FC win as squad benefits from boost in confidence

Brad Fash singled out Hull FC’s collective “effort and energy” as the catalyst for Saturday’s 18-10 win over Leeds Rhinos. Ending an 11-game losing streak, the Black and Whites produced a dedicated and connected performance to earn just their second win of the season.

Basing their game on effort-based traits, Hull were aggressive and took the game to Leeds. They came off the line as a unit and defended both assertively and desperately before taking a deserved 12-0 lead at the break after Lewis Martin and Denive Balmforth tried.

The same desperation continued in the second half as Hull extended their lead through Cam Scott. Leeds then hit back but Hull continued to go for each other as the team reaped rewards with their first win in over three months.

click here – Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel

“I felt great,” Fash said excitedly after the game. “Everybody gave the effort that we like to see. The effort was what got us the win and I’m very proud of the team. We were energetic from the start. We came out of the blocks. In the second half, we was a similar kind of thing. We were eager for the game and kept coming.

“We all got off the line and our contact was good. We had three men in the tackle. Sometimes they got a role, but I think we kept coming all game and that gave us the opportunity to win.

“We were willing to win the game in the last minute. We waited the whole half to get points. We played until the final whistle and that’s why we won.”

Having lost their last 11 games before the Leeds game, Hull have been on a roll this season. They have conceded more than 50 points on four separate occasions, the second bottom team in the Super League.

However, Fash believes the team can now turn their fortunes around with 13 rounds to go, with confidence building and a stable squad starting to emerge on the field.

“There were a lot of players that came in and out,” Fash explained. “Also, there’s been a lot of cards and a lot of things that have changed the team. We’re starting to pick up a little bit of pace now and have a regular team on the move. I think that helps.

“It’s been tough, but we’ve improved in the last few weeks. We weren’t happy at the start of the year and we had a few things that didn’t go our way, but even in the last two weeks, I thought we look confident When you’re close, that confidence can come from playing well and that energy.

“We look a lot better now. I thought we attacked well. We ran out of ideas at times when we got close to their line, but we played in the conditions. When I saw it was raining, I thought it was going to work. in our favor and he did.”

For Fash personally, the win was extra special, with the forward captaining the senior side for the first time in the absence of Danny Houghton.

“I can’t replicate the things that Danny does every week,” continued a modest Fash. “I knew I was going to be captain and there is a responsibility that comes with that, but there aren’t many players in the league, let alone in our squad, who can replicate what Danny Houghton does.

“But yes, it was a proud moment for me, captaining my hometown club. I’ve been a Hull fan all my life so I’m really happy with how it went today.

“I like to think I lead the team quite well. I talk a lot on the pitch. I’m very vocal. I’d like to think the guys appreciate what I do when I’m out there, but the team has performed really well in recent weeks and it’s been good to seen.”

Hull host Warrington Wolves at home this Saturday and Fash pulls a brace for Hull to build on. The challenge now is not to let recent standards slip, but also to improve with confidence building in the second half of the season.

“We have to look to improve every week,” added Fash. “Our standards have improved week after week. We had a slight dip in terms of standards on the pitch (in London) but our training standards were good and that got us to where we are now where ‘We’re starting to compete that’s what it’s all about in every week, as long as we compete, then we have a chance.

“Nothing can change now. We have to go this week like we have the last three weeks and keep showing up for us. If we continue to train hard and listen to the coaches — Grixy has some good ideas and has kept us going. From a ball point of view, then we will be fine. We have a lot of games left, I would be very shocked if we don’t pick up any more points.

Read more: Hull FC face a crucial decision as the coveted win gives the team something to build on