New Hull FC signing to play key role as Simon Grix reflects on Kemp and Westerman debuts
Simon Grix believes young Hull FC half-back Callum Kemp can 'benefit massively' from new and 'similar' signing Aidan Sezer next season. Like Sezer, the teenager is an out and out number seven, with organisation his key strength.
That organisation and composure were on show against Catalans Dragons, albeit in defeat, with Kemp standing tall on his first-team debut, particularly in a first-half performance that saw Hull take the lead. Grix said the same for Ryan Westerman, who also made his senior introduction at the MKM Stadium on what was Danny Houghton and Carlos Tuimavave's final game as Hull FC players.
Calling Westerman a 'classy' player, the centre is another young talent that the club have high hopes for, with the 18-year-old rewarded with a first-team deal for next season. Both players, meanwhile, put in fair displays, contributing to a spirited account from a side that also featured several other young players, eight of whom were aged 21 or younger.
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Speaking post-match, Grix said: "Callum has just gone 18. He's a twin, and his brother Lloyd is a good player as well. He's a young half-back, he knows what he is already; he's not lightening quick, but he knows how to play straight and organise, and he came up with some really good touches.
"He's someone who has got a bright future, and he's started well. He's got an old half who is quite similar coming to the club in Aidan Sezer, which will benefit him massively if he taps into that.
"Ryan is another one. He's good pals with Charlesy (Jack Charles) and it's been difficult for him to see his mate playing and not getting a runout himself, but he showed what he's got out there. He's a classy player. He's got a lot to learn on both sides of the ball, but his game came to play. I didn't think he looked out of place at all."
Grix continued: "They've both had great years in the academy. I dare say Callum may have played sooner, and the same goes for Ryan as well, but in among all of this and what's been going on around them, it's been a difficult decision.
"We've had to play people out of having a lack of choices for the most part, but we've really made an effort to try and keep those lads away from it. Your debut is supposed to be a nice day where a lot of older blokes will look after you and show you the way. Unfortunately, we haven't had that for a lot of our lads this year, and we've tried to shield them from it."
Grix also confirmed that Ligi Sao and Jack Walker missed Hull's final game due to 'injury.' Tiaki Chan and Leon Ruan were also selection decisions as Catalans ran out 24-4 winners after a strong show after the break.
"Injuries, unfortunately," Grix replied when asked about the duo. "I don't think it's the same ankle for Ligi, it's the other one, so it's one for the physios to have a think about.
"It would have been nice to get them out there for the last game, but having said that, you look back now, and I'm pretty happy with how everyone took to the field. I am interested in those not on the field, but the focus has to lie on those who did. There are a lot of highlights in there, especially our younger players, but I thought Herman (Ese'ese), Jed (Cartwright), Jordan (Lane), and Mint (Houghton) did a really good job."
Tom Briscoe's absence was also down to illness again, with Grix deciding to reward Westerman with a debut over bringing the veteran back in.
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