'He showed his class' Davy Litten lauded for strong display as Hull FC competition desire explained
Francis Cummins has praised Davy Litten for showing his 'class' in Hull FC reserves' 60-4 victory over Leigh Leopards. The Black and Whites were far too strong for the Leythers, with Litten scoring two of Hull's eleven tries on Sunday afternoon.
However, it was the energy of the 21-year-old that stood out for Cummins. Playing at full-back, Litten, who has been Hull's 18th man in their last two Super League games, got himself about the pitch in both attack and defence. He stood up without the ball, and when he got it in his hands, he showed his speed to run with the ball and come into the line to effect with his passing and offload games in what was an eye-catching account.
That pleased Cummins, who told Hull Live post-match: "Davy was energetic. I'm really pleased for him. We're trying to get him a run in one position, as he's been jumping all over: centre, wing, and full-back.
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"He showed his class. He was dangerous, and when he ran, he looked fast and skilful. He was really good with his talk, too. He got around the field and showed what he can do.
"He just wants to be involved, and sometimes players can drop between the cracks. They're too good not to be included in the first team, but they miss out on actually playing as they're the 18th man, and we need them in there. Davy has missed out on a few opportunities to play, but when he does play, you can see he's got something about him."
Going for the full-back position, Litten has had to be patient this season with Logan Moy playing seven games in the first-team. Jack Walker too started the season in the role, with Litten showing he is very much in the conversation, something that, in Cummins' view, can only benefit all three players.
"We've got some healthy competition there, and they need to take their chances," Cummins continued. "Logan has been playing really well, but Jack also did well for the reserves. Jack's got more experience, but they all need to play well. That competition is getting the best out of everyone.
"It's being able to do that every week, and it might be a case of someone making a couple of mistakes there and another then getting a chance. Or the one who comes in and gets the shirt keeps the shirt as he's playing that well.
"That's where we need to get to all over. We haven't got it enough at the moment; injuries can make that worse, but competition is needed or form goes out of the window. We don't want to be in a position where we've only got two back rowers, two wingers, or whatever it is, and they have to play as we haven't got enough numbers."
Going deep into the squad, Hull will have to replace injured trio Jack Ashworth, Ligi Sao, and Cam Scott for Sunday's Super League game at Salford. However, Cummins believes the replacements are ready to go. The likes of Matty Laidlaw and Zach Jebson started in the reserve pack, with Jed Cartwright also getting his first runout for the club.
"I think some of these young lads are going to feature soon," Cummins added. "We've got a really good group here, and some of them are ready. They will get opportunities, and that will only bode well for the future."
Read more: Hull FC notebook as Davy Litten hits back, Jed Cartwright gets run out and young half steps up