Hull FC notebook as Jordan Lane stands up, Jack Walker plays for reserves, Will Kirby rise continues

Jordan Lane's best display of the season

One highlight of Hull's 18-10 victory over Leeds Rhinos was Jordan Lane's performance. After a tough run—by his own admission—the player is finding his feet in the Hull side once again, with Saturday's performance arguably his best of the year to date with 119 metres run from 15 carries, including three offloads, not to mention 28 tackles and just one miss.

Lane almost found the try line early on, but every carry after had an impact with some smart lines ran. That's always been Lane's forte, with the back-rower picking up his form this year. He's been ever-present in the side and is also the third-highest tackler in Super League with 478. It's not just the volume of tackles either; it's the efficiency of them, with Lane completing 94% of his tackle attempts this season. That defensive pride is something that the player has spoken about before, and he's certainly regained it this year.

It's easy to point to competition for places as well, with Jed Cartwright set to arrive at the club, but it's consistency in team selection that also helps, playing with the same half-back in Jake Trueman and centre in Liam Sutcliffe. Hopefully, that's something that will keep evolving the more they play together this year, with Lane finding the levels that got him England Knights recognition just a couple of years ago.

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Elsewhere, the likes of Carlos Tuimavave returned strong after 14 weeks out with a hamstring injury. The Kiwi centre slotted into the right edge at ease, with Simon Grix, touch wood, now set for some welcome continuity in selections ahead of the second half of the season.

Reserves record slick victory over Leeds

Hull FC's reserve side were good value for their 26-18 victory over Leeds on Saturday afternoon. Playing at Hull Sports Centre (YPI) before the Super League clash, Francis Cummins' side were easy on the eye and produced some slick attack. Academy winger Joe Ward scored a brace of tries, while Jeylan Hodgson, Jack Charles, and Jack Walker all crossed over. The spine was a threat throughout the game, with Hodgson, Charles, and Walker all having their moments. Callum Kemp, too, stood out at half-back.

Elsewhere, Will Gardiner played a big stint as always at this level, with some effective ball movement now creeping into his game. He worked well with Matty Laidlaw, Zach Jebson, and Kye Armstrong (who is also finding his feet after a lengthy shoulder injury), while Will Kirky went really well on the edge. He played right on the line and put himself about. He's a strong line runner and is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Scholars edged out

Hull FC's scholarship side were edged out 22-18 by St Helens in an entertaining game at the University of Hull last Wednesday night. The two sides were locked at 12-12 at the break, with the Saints just having too much for the Black and Whites in the end.

However, Hull took the game to St Helens. They started well and got the first points as winger Rhyse Yorke finished in the corner, before Josh Horne, who was a threat throughout the game, added another. In the second half, Jackson Smith, who put in a stern account, added Hull's third try, but unfortunately, too much defending got the better of them. To their credit, Hull fronted up on their own goal line several times in the first half, but that hurt their energy levels later in the game as they looked to get a late winner. Still, it was a good watch, with plenty of talent on show.

Girls latest results

There were contrasting fortunes for Hull FC's under-14 and under-16 girls sides on Saturday. The u14s were heavily beaten at Bassetlaw Bulldogs, with the Nottinghamshire-based side running out 56-8 winners. However, the u16s side tasted victory over Oulton Raidettes, winning 46-6. The u16s are in action again this week at Leigh Miners, while the club's women's side heads to Fryston Warriors.

Wheelchair side start Super League season

Hull FC's wheelchair team hosted their league opener on Sunday evening, losing 54-16 to Wigan Warriors. The two sides also fielded their reserve sides before the first-team clash, showing the development and numerical growth of the wheelchair team.

Mike Swainger's side are now on the road against Leeds Rhinos and Halifax Panthers before hosting London Roosters on July 21. Elsewhere, the club's LDRL and PDRL sides played on the MKM Stadium at half-time during Saturday's Super League fixture, with over 120 different players representing the club over the last week in various disciplines of rugby league.

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