Hull FC notebook as Jeylan Hodgson stands out and Denive Balmforth responds

Daniel Tomlinson
·4-min read
Jeylan Hodgson makes a break for Hull FC Reserves.
-Credit: (Image: Dave Lofthouse, Hull FC)


Logan Moy's debut message

Logan Moy was the latest Hull FC junior to make his senior debut over the weekend. The 18-year-old came off the bench in Saturday’s defeat to Huddersfield Giants, playing the second half at full-back.

Moy had a couple of nice touches, with Smith praising the teenager post-match after Head of Youth Pete Riding gave the lowdown pre-match. The young gun has now posted his own message on social media, thanking friends and family, and looking ahead to the future.

"What a feeling,” he wrote. “I can't put into words on how much this meant to me and my family stepping onto that field for the first of hopefully many times. I can't thank all the people who helped me get to this point enough. Still so much work to be done, but this is just the start of hopefully a positive future with the club. #1198"

Jeylan Hodgson stands out

Hull FC Reserves were 50-28 winners over Huddersfield Giants on Friday afternoon. Francis Cummins’ side scored nine tries in total, with the pick of the punch being Roman Dawson’s effort - see below.

It was the sort of try the academy/reserves are renowned for, who, while looking to tidy up defensively, produced some slick, eye-catching attack at the University of Hull. It was also started by a Jeylan Hodgson break, with the hooker arguably the best player on the field. His service was crisp and his running game was effective, scooting over for his own try in the second half. He’s also tenacious in the tackle, with the young dummy-half understood to be impressing many figures at the club with his performances so far this year.

Denive Balmforth responds

Tony Smith was asked by Hull Live about Denive Balmforth last week, with the head coach declaring that the hooker, who can also double up as a loose-forward, has a 'lot of work' to do before he comes back into the first-team side. And playing in that 13 role, the 20-year-old responded with a powerful showing for the reserves. He’s got himself in great nick after an off-season trip to Thailand and is reaping the rewards. Balmforth's running game was excellent, scoring two tries, including a no-nonsense 40-metre run to the line. Perhaps it's some defensive elements where Smith wants him to tighten up, but so long as he keeps knocking on the door, another opportunity and even a new contract will hopefully follow.

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Charlie Severs loan update

Charlie Severs made a try-scoring appearance for York Knights in the Championship over the weekend, touching down at Barrow Raiders. The 20-year-old is longing for game time this year after overcoming two serious shoulder injuries. He has played once in Super League for Hull already and now has two games under his belt on loan at the Knights, also playing against Toulouse Olympique last month.

Scholars win

Hull FC's scholarship side won 34-22 away at Huddersfield last Wednesday night. Jackson Smith, the first player to hail from the club's West Cumbria Development Centre, scored two tries, with Finlay Davies also crossing over for a brace. Alex Batty and Lewis Ells-Fontana also added one a-piece as Richard Tate's side got up and running after their opening-round defeat to Leeds Rhinos.

Girls narrowly beaten

Hull FC's under-16s girls side were edged 18-12 by Oulton Raidettes in their latest Premier Division match. The girls gained promotion to the top tier from the Eastern Division last season.

Junior Takeover

While Hull FC didn't get the result everyone wanted last week, it was still a matchday to remember for some. The club underwent their annual Junior Takeover Day with seven lucky members getting a hands on role around the MKM Stadium. Taking part were:

Junior Chairman: Ava Johnston
Junior Pitch Announcer: Francesca Hunter
Junior Head Coach: Deacon Greeham
Junior Kit Assistant: Leo Berzins
Junior Assistant Referee: Joshua Roberts
Junior Photographer: Lilia Poole
Junior Media Managaer: Amira Jan

It's a great experience for young people who get a real look at what matchdays are like beyond the eighty minutes.

Read more: Hull FC explore new signing options with enquiry made for Super League switch

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