Jon Wilkin says this Super League club could be “special” in 2023

Jon Wilkin has said he thinks Hull FC are starting to look special in 2023.

However, he has warned that they need consistency if they are going to compete at the very top.

He said on Sky Sports this week:

“One question mark with Hull is their consistency, I am delighted that both Hull teams have started well. I’m from the area and I know how important strong Hull teams are to Super League.

“Can Tony Smith get Hull FC to the Grand Final, play-offs or Challenge Cup Final? Time will tell.

“Tony Smith is really good at giving people confidence and his players seem to perform pretty well and the challenge is consistency. The more you talk about it, the more it becomes a problem.

“I’m hoping that they can start to kick on. You look at the balance of the team with players like Jake Clifford and Tex Hoy, it is starting to look a bit special.”

This came as last week’s match winner against Leeds Rhinos Scott Taylor spoke about the winning try:

“It was definitely important, it was a long time coming before that four year gap I used to think I was quite good for getting over a try for a front rower.

“It was a crucial try.

“One of the first meetings I had with Tony he said ‘what’s up with you, you used to be a really good try scoring front rower?’ so we had that joke from the start and I scored in a friendly and he played back about 10 times.

“It is something we have been working on us middles, we’re running good links and Brad Dwyer getting out there with his sharpness and sucking people in and it makes it easier for us.

“He has freshened things up and brought some positivity into things. He has also taken us back to basics.”

However, Taylor won’t feature today after being banned for a tackle on Richie Myler:

“It’s very frustrating. I have started the season feeling good and fresh and I want to be on the plane to Catalans and play.

“But I have coped the one match ban and I have got to take it on the chin and help the boys prepare.

“The testimonial I am absolutely honoured and delighted.”