Hull FC will take on London Broncos at Magic Weekend in a game that will be crucial in determining who finishes at the bottom of Super League in 2024.
Despite the fact there is no automatic relegation based on finishing 12th, there is plenty of pride at stake whilst contention remains about the fact relegation is determined via IMG grading and not on-field performances.
Currently, Hull FC sit just two points ahead of London Broncos and the teams will go tied on six points if the Broncos can win at Elland Road meaning just points difference will separate the sides.
Fortunately for Hull FC, they ranked as a Grade A club in the preliminary IMG rankings and will be expected to retain that grading meaning they cannot be relegated, something that’s massively eased the pressure in 2024.
For London Broncos, that’s not the case with the capital side seemingly condemned to be relegated as they ranked 24th with a low Grade B when those preliminary grades were revealed.
Hull FC head coach Simon Grix has now spoken ahead of the clash against the fellow strugglers to reveal how he is planning to get his side geed up for the game.
‘Imagine relegation was in play’ – How Hull FC are preparing for Magic Weekend
Credit: Imago Images
Simon Grix has spoken on the Hull FC YouTube channel ahead of the game against London Broncos with that fixture kicking off Magic Weekend on Saturday.
The Hull FC boss has argued his side needs to place themselves in a hypothetical situation where on-field relegation still exists in order to help motivate them to produce the best possible performance.
He explained: “We’re in a situation where there is no relegation. Now, imagine if it was still in play, where we find ourselves.
“If we play the imagination game of your jobs being on the line and the fact three months from now you could be looking at something very different to a full-time rugby league career.
“I think if that doesn’t put a little bit of a fire under people, I’m not really sure what would.”
Sadly, what Grix describes in reference to potentially having your job on the line is exactly what is happening for London’s players at the time with the club entering the 2024 season with a whopping 26 players off contract at the end of the season.
Already some of their best talent has been poached with Bill Leyland heading to Hull KR and Ethan Natoli moving to Pia Donkeys, whilst reports are now linking Ollie Leyland with a move to Warrington Wolves.
Meanwhile, for Hull FC, they’ve been able to recruit safely in the knowledge they will be in Super League and that’s seen Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont accuse the Black and Whites of ‘putting the cue in the rack’ in 2024 and showing no ambition.
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