Hull FC: Kevin Brown believes Tony Smith’s time could be up “this week”

For the second week in a row, Hull FC have conceded 50 points in the worst possible preparation for the Hull derby next week against rivals Hull KR.

After conceding 54 points to the Leigh Leopards, Hull FC – who not too long ago were back to back Challenge Cup winners – were dumped out of the competition losing 50-6.

Making matters worse, former Hull FC star Adam Swift was excellent from start to the finish scoring a hat-trick as was another for Hull FC star Jake Connor in the win.

Speaking on the Sportsman as he covered Leigh Leopards and Featherstone Rovers clashed in the Challenge Cup, Kevin Brown suggested that Head Coach Tony Smith’s time in the Hull FC hotseat could be over.

He said: “You asked me a question before about the position of the coach and I think he could be looking over his shoulder this because losing heavily week after week, getting knocked out of the cup. We know he’s a great coach but he’s not getting the best out of those players at the Black and Whites.”

Hull FC boss’ passion shines through

Before the game, Tony Smith was passionate in what he had to say. He said that the club’s season was alive.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “We haven’t given up hope on making our Super League season a successful one, but has this club got a great affinity with the Challenge Cup? Absolutely. It’s got a good history, a strong history, especially with their last successes.

“I’ve been on the unfortunate end of it – coming second to them on a couple of occasions when I’ve been an opposition coach, once at Leeds and once at Warrington. I’ve seen that history and that celebration. Would I like to be part of it? Absolutely. And so would the players.

“For the players who were part of that, they’d love to, and there’s not many of them left now. We’d like to create some more history for ourselves and that’s what we’re striving to do, but we’re a long way off finals.”

Assessing the Giants, Smith added: “We’ve got a really strong competitor on the weekend. They’re a really good team with a star-studded pack, and a star-studded back line. We’re going to have to perform particularly well if we’re going to enjoy the cup this year.

“They’ve been competitive. They’ve had a couple of results not go their way but they’re not far off. It’s a very competitive competition and that’s why I’m reluctant to write anyone off at the moment. Everyone will go through periods of being really strong and successful and they may have some twists and turns and challenges along the way.

“I think Huddersfield are as capable as any other team in the competition. They’ll be a tough opponent, that’s for sure.”

He would be proven to be correct in this assessment.