Paul Rowley throws support behind Simon Grix as Hull FC assessment made

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Paul Rowley has thrown his support behind interim Hull FC coach Simon Grix, highlighting the difficulties of the Black and Whites' season. The Salford Red Devils coach gave a fair assessment post-match, with his side securing their top six place with a thumping 58-4 victory.

Rowley, who was offered the Hull job earlier this year in what was a high-profile move by East Yorkshire club, says that the Airlie Birds have got some individuals that can play, but getting them on the field together collectively has been the issue, with Hull up to squad number 54 this season.

On the contrary, Rowley acknowledged Salford's ability to get the same players on the field this season, with the likes of Tim Lafai, Ryan Brierley, Marc Sneyd, and the like contributing to a dominant 10-try victory.

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Speaking to the media after Saturday's game, Rowley said: "I think individually Hull have got good players and a lot of players that will have played to make a point with different motivations to play well as individuals, but when you’ve had a squad of 54 or whatever players, it’s very difficult to be connected in certain things.

"I feel for Grixy. He hasn’t had the repetitions with a settled team all year. I take my hat off to Simon. He’s done a great job in really difficult circumstances. But even with a team like that, we’ve seen on the off occasion that they’ve had some good performances; they turned Wigan over here, and we struggled at home against them. We had a two-point win, so we were nervous, but we’ve come away with a good performance, which is the most important thing.

"I thought we had a real tough mentality in particular in the first half to earn everything and to show Hull respect. I thought we did that, and while we also have good individuals, we came together collectively as a team because we’ve repped it out time and time again and we’ve been steady all year. We had that, and that was our challenge—to be connected, and I thought we were."

Playing some slick rugby league, Hull were no match for Salford, who have secured their spot in the play-offs. "It’s fulfilling as a club and as a group," Rowley said on their top six place. "It’s rewarding, and it’s nice to sit here with a game to go knowing that we’re in the top six. That’s what we play the game for, so there’s a box ticked and it’s bought us a ticket. We just need to cash it in now."

Salford head to Wigan on Thursday before the play-offs begin in a rearranged victory. Sky Sports have brought the game forward 24 hours, with a Wigan victory securing the reigning champions the League Leaders Shield.

"I only heard that one last night (Friday)," Rowley added. "It’s a bit short notice. We’re going to have to get on the bus, and re-think about how we plan our week. I’m not sure how we’ll approach that yet. We’ll have a discussion as a team and a group of staff, and we’ll approach it how best suits our club and our team."

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