No relegation threat ‘part of the problem’ for Hull FC, claims Grix

Hull FC should be thanking their lucky stars that the IMG grading system will be introduced for 2025 because the Black and Whites would have been at a serious risk of relegation from Super League, however, head coach Simon Grix has argued the lack of jeopardy has hindered his side.

London Broncos drew level on points on the Super League ladder yesterday with Hull FC when they beat them 29-4 at Magic Weekend. It was perhaps a season-low for the Black and Whites who rarely looked like scoring despite some good territory.

The defeat marked the second time they’ve lost to the Broncos and there is now a very real threat that FC could pick up the wooden spoon and finish last in the league for the first time in 60 years.

Fortunately for them, with Super League status set to be determined by a club’s IMG grading, Hull FC will be in the competition in 2025 but that lack of jeopardy has now been noted as a potential reason for why they’ve performed so poorly this year.

Has the lack of a relegation threat harmed Hull FC?

Obviously, Hull FC were losing games far before it became evident that they wouldn’t have a chance at making the playoffs, but following the optimism of their Round Two win over London, the season has been a downward spiral with players accused of downing tools at certain points.

Meanwhile, Leigh Leopards’ owner Derek Beaumont has accused the club of “putting the cue in the rack” and preparing for 2025. Simon Grix spoke to BBC Humberside after the loss to London and was asked about the absence of a relegation threat and how it had impacted the club in 2024.

“Maybe it’s part of the problem – not having that jeopardy,” Grix responded.

“I know a lot of fans would like it (relegation in Super League), but we all signed up for something different, didn’t we? And that’s really fortunate for us at the moment, otherwise, we are having chats about your job being on the line.”

Incredibly, several Hull FC fans took to social media after the game yesterday arguing that the club ‘deserved to be relegated’. For Grix, he was focused on ensuring the 2025 Super League campaign is a better one.

“There’s a lot of things that I’ve got incredibly wrong this year. This didn’t happen overnight, this has been building for a while and we have to accept that and try and be better that’s all our job is.

“As far as next year goes, we can’t just wait for next year to start on some things, otherwise they don’t really go away I don’t think.”

Black and Whites suffer another season-ending injury

Assessing the game, Grix noted that it was the same case as it has been in plenty of the team’s losses this season with injuries wreaking havoc, however, he was wary of not being seen to make excuses.

“We’ve been doing it tough for a while as everyone knows. I don’t like to comment too much because I just get called out as if I’m making excuses but there are some realities in there.

“A lot of blokes, they’re not at the right level. Throw in the injuries and the positions switching in the game, we have not got the mental agility to deal with that at the moment.

“The very basics of the game was a disappointing bit. Tackle hard and keep turning up for your mate. That was absent. I’m not suggesting they threw the towel in, I’ll have to go back and look but it wasn’t pretty.”

That mental agility was required when the spine was torn up after Jack Walker left the field early on before Carlos Tuimavave also was forced off through injury. Grix provided an update on the pair.

“Jack Walker has a ruptured bicep, (Carlos) Tuimavave I’m not 100% sure, to be honest. There are a couple of ailments in one, so I’ll have to get the details before I can say anything.”

Next up for Hull FC is a trip to Super League leaders Wigan before they take on Castleford Tigers at home in what looks to be their strongest chance of a win in their remaining five as they bid to avoid finishing bottom of the competition.