Hull FC interim coach Andy Last has given his verdict on the potential of disciplinary action against Amir Bourouh after an ‘on report’ incident whilst also arguing that the Black and Whites have the best goal line defence in Super League.
Those comments came in his post-match presser, shared on the Hull FC YouTube channel, after Last’s side beat Huddersfield Giants 36-12 on Saturday afternoon at the MKM Stadium.
It marked a first win in five matches but crucially, it saw Hull FC score points with their tally of 36 equating to more than the 28 that they had scored in the last four matches combined.
However, it wasn’t the attack that Last was most pleased with as he paid credit to his side’s defence efforts, even claiming his team are the best in Super League at defending their own try line.
On the scramble in their own 20, Last said: “That’s been evident every week. The spirit, willingness and togetherness to defend our try line has been as good as any in the competition. I think we are the best team in the competition at defending our try line.
“The amount of play the balls that we’ve conceded on our try line, I think it’s taking us something like 18 tackles before we concede, so we have got that spirit and desperation to defend.”
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Why Hull FC aren’t sweating a ban despite ‘on report’ incident
Last also confirmed that it was a win without injury, bar a tight groin for Aidan Sezer, but it was not without incident as hooker Amir Bourouh was placed on report for a cannonball-style tackle on Mathieu Cozza.
Bourouh already has 2.25 penalty points on his record so a Grade C charge would land him a ban, however, Last believes his number nine should be safe.
Asked about the tackle, Last said: “Initially, I thought it looked a little bit naughty but then when I watched it back, the first point of contact is the bum cheeks then he slides down into the crease of the knee and the knee naturally collapses.
“I’m hoping he doesn’t receive anything too significant and the fact that the lad got up and carried on bodes well for us.”
Noting how important the moment of impact can be ahead of Monday’s disciplinary panel, Last clarified: “If it was on the knee, the back of the knee, the side of the knee than that’s naughty but it was quite clearly on the bum cheeks and then slid down.”
Losing Bourouh to a ban would be a massive blow especially with Cade Cust being one of 15 out injured but such an injury crisis has led to young talents being called up and one who Last hailed was Will Kirby.
Last admitted: “Today, he was a little bit of a Mr Fix-It for me. We had our eyes on Batch (Joe Batchelor) and Jed (Cartwright) coming back from long-term injuries so losing Custy (Cade Cust) and Zak (Hardaker) and that ability to change a team, Will filled it.
“He started at loose forward then had a bit right-side back-row, then left-side back-row and he did an exceptional job so I’m pleased with the way that Will’s going right now.”
