'Be brave' Simon Grix sets derby challenge as Hull FC look to gain key advantage

Simon Grix is challenging his Hull FC side to 'be brave' with their attacking shape and show some 'courage' in Saturday's derby clash. Meeting Hull KR for the 246th time, the Black and Whites have been much improved in recent weeks but are now gunning to take the next step and be better with the ball from the get go.

Looking to make some attacking strides, Grix is encouraging his players, many of which are young up-and-coming players at the club, to play with their 'practiced' shape and find the necessary passes. Expecting a fit and firing Rovers side to get up in their faces, it'll be that bravery that will be key for the Airlie Birds, who are aiming for a first derby win in three attempts.

They last tasted victory in this fixture twelve months ago, with Rovers, who will look to cement a first clean sweep in 15 years, winning both fixtures so far this season. However, Grix isn't getting caught up in such figures, instead challenging his side to find opportunities in how they shape up and take the game to the opposition.

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Speaking to Hull Live, Grix said: "We've got to play in shape, and we've got to have some courage to pass and move the ball. If we get flustered by the opposition, because Rovers are a fit team with line speed and they come up to get you, and we don't get our passes away, then you're not getting one-on-ones, and that's the game, essentially.

"The plays might look fancy at times when there's loads of bodies moving, but they're not designed for you to score in the corner. That's the end role; the first bit is, 'Can I get a one-on-one? Can he get a one-on-one?' And then it keeps going down the line until the last pass.

"We need to have that courage and be brave to pull the shape that we practice, opposed to being a bit flustered and playing conservative and trying to be safe. We need to be more than safe. If we can move the ball and challenge the opposition from the start this week, then we'll give ourselves the opportunity. That's the game."

With a strong home crowd expected to be behind Hull, Grix is counting on the Black and White army to play their part. The support throughout this year has been appreciated by all at the club, with fans sticking behind the team through some tough results. However, recent performances have been much better, despite the side just having one win to show from it, with the hope now to kick on and take the next step.

"The fans can give the lads a lift without a doubt," Grix added. "In those moments where they're absolutely blowing, that bit of energy from the crowd can push you over a bit. It'd be nice to give them something to cheer about.

"The lads are really grateful for that support. I'm not on social media, and I don't see what's said, but it's tough being a fan when your team isn't winning, and ultimately, that's all we want. I say stuff when I'm watching England football, and I don't know a thing about it.

"We can all dip in like we think we know the strategy, but we don't. It all comes from a good place, I think, so it's rewarding for them, irrespective of the result, when you put in a good shift, I suppose, and they can all really determine whether that's happened or not.

"It is appreciated at the end of the game when they're hanging around to clap the lads, especially those young blokes, as it was tough earlier in the year. For example, Jack Charles, playing in those games when we were up against it and we got hammered and dealing with the booing, it's not a nice experience for them. We're hoping to avoid that for the rest of the year and hopefully give them something to cheer about."

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