A team that just can’t make their minds up of being contenders or pretenders and that was certainly the case again for Hull FC in 2019.
At times, they looked good for silverware but on occasions they suffered annihilations against clubs they were highly fancied against that ultimately led to them missing out on the play-offs once again.
A frustrating season for the Black and Whites, though that could soon change given their multiple changes to the squad and coaching staff for 2020.
More of that to follow as we look back at what could have been for the Airlie Birds.
Best Result: Hull FC 56-12 Hull Kingston Rovers
No doubt about it, amassing a record derby win against your nearest and dearest can’t be toppled and that is what happened on Good Friday.
In front of 20,000 supporters, Hull FC achieved history, blitzing the Red and Whites to send out a message that they were not to be cannon fodder as most tipped them for in pre-season.
Jake Connor was the star of the show, opening the scoring before assisting in Jack Logan’s first two tries in the first half.
Hull KR responded through Jimmy Keinhorst and Craig Hall before Hull then rallied as Mark Minichiello, Joe Westerman, Albert Kelly and Mickey Paea all touched down before Logan completed a hat-trick and youngster Connor Wynne raced over late on.
The Robins simply had no answer but to suffer the humiliation whereas for Hull, certainly one of their finest wins in their entire history!
Worst Result: Hull FC 2-55 Huddersfield Giants
A highly surprising result of the entire season was Hull’s thrashing sustained by Huddersfield Giants over at Anfield at the Magic Weekend.
Of course Hull’s record is not favourable at the event, having defeated only two clubs at the showpiece in their history.
Here, they started as favourites but the Giants, donned in an all red kit, had other ideas and maintained their own excellent record at the Magic Weekend.
Both Jake and Joe Wardle scored early on before Darnell McIntosh, Jermaine McGillvary and Adam O’Brien all scored two tries each in the rout.
Alex Mellor and Aaron Murphy concluding the scoring along with Olly Russell’s seven goals and a drop-goal.
Main Man: Josh Griffin
He faced stick at first but since arriving from Salford, Josh Griffin has settled in and enjoyed a superb 2019 season with Hull.
Many dubbed him “a club legend before wearing the jersey” following his try assists in the 2016 Million Pound Game and though he started slow at Hull, has now won over the fans with his exciting attacking skills.
After all, he knows his way to the try line, scoring 12 tries and providing five assists plus 80 tackle busts, 17 clean breaks and over 3000 metres with ball in hand then you have a real asset in your team.
Furthermore, he has proved adaptable, rotating from centre to wing and even to the second-row, giving Hull an edge over their opposition in key fixtures this season as a result.
The 29-year-old could even enjoy a better 2020 when the new arrivals come in as he hopes to take Hull back to the top.
Predicted 7th – Finished 6th
Hull were tipped for an even tougher season by many but credit to them for defying such expectation.
Perhaps many focused too much on how they finished 2018; however, maybe the club did in the end considering how they finished this year.
End of July, Hull were 80 minutes from Wembley and close to going 2nd in the table but then only one more win until the end of the season ultimately derailed things and they fell to 6th place.
Possibly poor attitude but also an aging squad was maybe responsible considering a whole host of players have departed or retired.
As a result, Hull have opted for a clean slate and a fresh squad from 2020 onwards.
Risky considering the transition but probably the best option should they wish to get back to Old Trafford after waiting over 13 years.
