Hodgson weighs in on Connor’s England snub and describes star as “unplayable” after victory over Leigh

Hull FC Head Coach Brett Hodgson heaped praise on “one of the best” in Jake Connor after he produced a Player of the Match performance in Hull’s emphatic 64-22 away win against Leigh Centurions.

The win keeps Hull within the top six, staying above arch-rivals Hull Kingston Rovers.

Connor was the main man for the Airlie Birds once again but still misses out on England selection heading into their game next week against the All-Stars.

Hodgson offered his verdict on both Connor’s performance and international snub.

“That is a conversation for Shaun (Wane) on to why Jake is not in that England spot,” Hodgson said.

“I think Jake is one of the best attacking players in the competition and defensively, when we are defending our try line, you can see his goal line integrity as a full-back, we are thrilled with how he is going.

“I think his last two weeks has been the best two weeks for us this year and we are certain he is going to keep improving.

“He is a very talented player and he just needs to keep performing like he did today to get into that England team at the end of the year.”

Earlier in the week, Samoan prop Chris Satae signed a two-year contract extension with Hull,

The 28-year-old juggernaut celebrated that with another try in the thrashing today and will no doubt be a hot contender for the All-Stars next week, though he would have to miss Hull’s next match against Huddersfield Giants if he does feature for the Combined Nations next Friday.

Though Hodgson remained silent on whether Satae would be available next week, he still heaped praise on him for his “unplayable” style of rugby league in the rout.

“I think Chris has been unplayable for a number of opposition players at certain times,” He added.

“I loved it at the back end when he made that break and there were players chasing him back.

“He has been immense for us this year and he is such a likable character as well.

“He is always smiling, the boys love him and we love what he is doing for us as a team and hopefully it can continue.”