Criticism drove Hull on, says Last

Hull FC Head Coach Andy Last admitted criticism is what helped spark his side as they defeated Huddersfield Giants 31-12 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The Black and Whites only returned to training on Tuesday following their internal outbreak of the coronavirus, missing two games as a result.

Beforehand, they were thumped 54-18 by Salford Red Devils that saw both Last and the club under heavy fire.

Reflecting on issues off the field, Last said “There has been stuff said about me and it has hurt me.

“It really did sting. I am the leader of this club as Head Coach.

“When you are being blamed as well as the tough situation, we found ourselves in with COVID, it was not nice and what we have done we have tried to use that to fuel the fire which helped us today.

“It was a really positive response. That is what I spoke about after the Salford match as well as returning from the COVID situation.

“We need to have a bit of a siege mentality. Make sure it was about us and take care of our own business which was performing better than we did against Salford.

“It was not a complete performance. There was plenty to work on. I think the first 40 minutes gave us a bit of a blueprint and what we need to do for over 80 minutes.

“But in terms of character, the second half was outstanding too.”