'Better for longer' Simon Grix reacts to improved Hull FC display and delivers verdict on loan duo

Daniel Tomlinson

29 April 2024 at 4:40 am·5-min read

Simon Grix applauded Hull FC's effort and ability to stay in the fight against Leeds Rhinos, with the side taking another step forward despite the defeat. Losing 18-12, there were some strides made, but there is still a way to go as the Black and Whites look to get out of their current situation.

However, they produced some positive signs here with Grix, although disappointed not to win, showing some pride in other elements of the game. Of course, Hull need to be better in good ball areas, but they also moved it well in yardage and got more of an even keel in possession, with their defensive account much better than in recent weeks.

Speaking after the game, Grix said: "We discussed in the week about being better for longer, and we definitely were. I think everyone stepped up a bit. We're still not where we want to be because you want the two points at the end of the day.

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"Effort-wise, we weren't beaten there again, which is great. We actually moved the ball and got a bit of a share of possession which really helped us to start playing a bit. We should gain a little bit of confidence from it. We didn't get the points but there is plenty to take out of that one.

"We came up with an absolute shocker at the kick off. That's us at the moment. We also came up with some errors throughout the game, play one went to ground on their goal-line and there were a few midfield errors. We can't come up with those errors and expect to come up with the goods. Again, there's plenty to improve on, but we came up with some really good stuff today as well."

Hull made six changes to their side, with loan duo Yusuf Aydin and Ed Chamberlain handed debuts. Elsewhere, Jack Brown and Ligi Sao returned from suspension, with Jack Walker and Liam Tindall also back in the side.

"I thought Yusuf came in and did a good job for us," Grix explained. "Ed was good, too. He was solid. I don't think we got him into the game enough down their end, but he was defensively solid. He speaks well. He's a man and he's been around a while. Last week's changing room had a lot of young kids who were quiet. It was nice to see some elder blokes in there speaking confidently today. We got confidence out of that."

Grix also commented on Herman Ese'ese and Franklin Pele, with Ese'ese in particular putting in a strong account.

"Herman has been trying," Grix explained. "As all of them have, they've been trying like mad, but unless you get a share of the ball, as these are big men, and we have to accept whether we like it or not—Frank's an absolute unit—there's going to be a bit to mope up around them.

"We haven't had it in us, whether the fight has not been there or lack of ball, too much defending, or fatigue, we haven't been able to see their better qualities. I thought Frank was off last week, but the week before against Huddersfield, he was good. There is definitely something there with Frank. The more we can get our team up to speed and get a bit more support around him, the more we'll see the better side of him more often than not."

Grix also confirmed that Hull received no injuries during the game, with Liam Tindall and Morgan Smith interchanged for tactical reasons. Brown also didn't come back on after starting the game.

"It was tough for Jack," Grix added. "He was okay. He hurt us a couple of times. He's not alone in that, but when Frank's going well, and when Herman's going well, you're trying to spin them on and off the field. It was difficult. He didn't do anything badly, Jack, it's just the way it goes sometimes.

"Morgan is fine. I thought Danny Houghton was class. He really threw that old frame around the field, and I wanted to leave him on there for the end of it. Again, we tried to get Frank back out on the field and work out the best way of using what we've got. It wasn't the shepherd's hook or anything like that. It was about getting Frank on.

"Jack (Walker) was a bit rusty but he came with energy. He got a try-saver in there and did some good stuff. He went out to the wing, we had Moy on the bench, he's agile and he can make people miss him so that was the thinking about pushing Jack out and bringing Liam off. We thought we'd let Moy have a go when we were looking for something towards the end of the game but Jack's worked hard in the background. He'll be the first to tell you he's a bit off on the match fitness and that, but again that will only get better. "