'Raise the bar' Hull FC blueprint set as side ready for Warrington Wolves test

Hull FC celebrate Denive Balmforth's try against Leeds.
-Credit: (Image: SW Pix)


Francis Cummins is looking for Hull FC to play with 'numbers' against Warrington Wolves this Saturday afternoon and ultimately get even 'tougher' with their performance. The Black and Whites ended an 11-game losing run with victory over Leeds Rhinos last weekend and are now looking to back up their performance with another strong showing at the MKM Stadium.

However, they know the bar has to go up even further if they want to get the result they desire. Under Sam Burgess, Warrington have improved this year, although they do come to East Yorkshire on the back of three straight defeats, including losing the Challenge Cup final to Wigan Warriors.

Cummins, meanwhile, is looking for Hull to start strong and play to their strengths, with the side needing to challenge Wire more than in their two previous meetings this season, games that finished 36-10 and 24-6 in the Primrose and Blue's favour.

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Speaking ahead of the clash, Cummins said: "We were a bit all over in D early on last week, but we did settle down. They rolled us down the field, but when we started to put on our shapes, invest a little bit more in our attack, and deliver what we'd practiced, we looked really good.

"We're not quite good enough to play off the cuff too often yet. We need to keep playing with numbers. I think that's it for us. We play a little bit on emotion, and we just need to settle down a little bit, but after losing eleven games in a row, that's what happens. You try to invent things. Don't get me wrong; I think the lads pulled out a great effort last week, but we're going to have to play a lot harder and tougher this weekend."

On Hull's previous clash with Wire, Cummins continued: "I don't think we attacked pretty well over there. We didn't really challenge them too much, but you'd like to think we'll get our fair share of the ball this time, which we probably didn't at the start of the year.

"We're playing a different team this week, but we've only focused on us for the last little while anyway. That's not changed. We just need to be better. The combinations are there, and we feel a bit more confident in what we're doing and in executing the game plan. That's where we need to go."

As well as the cup final, Wire were defeated 25-14 by Salford Red Devils last weekend. However, Cummins insists Hull must prepare for the best of Burgess' side this Saturday afternoon.

"It can happen," Cummins added on Wire's post-Wembley defeat. "You think you're going to get a reaction, and it doesn't quite happen.

"If only you could get us another week where they're slightly off and we're even better. We'd take that, but we've just got to prepare for the best of Warrington. They won't be happy with how they played last week, and they will want a reaction as well."

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