Connor admits he only has himself to blame for England snub

Hull FC utility player Jake Connor says he was disappointed to be left out of Shaun Wane’s first England squad, but admits his form didn’t warrant selection.

The 25-year-old was one of the most high-profile absentees from Wane’s 31-man prospective squad in March, having been a regular for the national team since 2018.

Speaking to the media, Connor opened up on his omission from the squad.

“It was always going to be disappointing, missing out on Shaun Wane’s initial England squad selection,” he said.

“That is what happens when you do not play as well as you should be, when you have a dip in performances.

“I am confident that I can get back. I just have to keep playing well to put my name in the picture.

“The focus now is on Hull FC. That is my number one goal, to produce some great rugby for the club.”

It has been a rollercoaster season so far for Hull, with a change in head coach coinciding with a number of positional changes for Connor.

Having seemingly played in every position barring the forwards, he has recently found himself at scrum-half following an injury to playmaker Marc Sneyd.

“I have had a tough first few games, but now I am getting better every week,” said Connor. “I am starting to find my feet which are pleasing signs.

“I am enjoying the half-back position. It is different playing scrum-half to stand-off because you have to organise the entire team, but I am improving every week and I’ve just got to carry it on.

“I just have to keep playing in the same position week in week out. It is hard that one week you can play centre, then full-back, then half-back.

“It is difficult to generate any consistency. As easy as it looks, it is not that easy at all.

“It is all about timings. Playing at half-back is much more different than centre but hopefully I will come good in the long run.

“My confidence at half-back has not suffered. If anything, I do not lack confidence, I’m just not playing well on occasions.

“Sometimes you can hit a bad patch and go through the motions but I do feel good and hope to continue it.”