Three Hull FC youngsters are on Shaun Wane’s radar for international selection down the line, England assistant Andy Last insists.
Lewis Martin, Harvey Barron and Davy Litten have been three of Hull’s most impressive performers this season under John Cartwright and their displays in black and white have not gone unnoticed, it seems.
Martin has been Hull’s most used player this season, nailing down the left wing spot and scoring a remarkable 20 tries in 22 games in all competitions, with 13 coming in Super League. Barron hasn’t been quite as prolific, bagging nine tries in 17 outings this year, but his powerful performances off Hull’s right edge have caught the eye while Litten has arguably been the most impressive of the three.
The centre has scored five tries in 15 games for FC but in doing so he has established himself as one of the best young centres Super League has to offer. Former Hull FC man Carlos Tuimavave tipped Litten to make the jump up to international rugby league when speaking about the youngster last season and his trajectory is certainly a positive one as he continues to grow and improve as a player.
Last has spent all season working alongside the trio in his assistant role at Hull, but he also works with Wane on the international set up.
Hull FC assistant Andy Last on Lewis Martin, Harvey Barron and Davy Litten
“Lewis Martin, Harvey Barron and Davy Litten, their names have been spoken about at that top table which is credit to them,” Last told Serious About RL when asked about the trio and how far off they might be from being on the radar. “I think the challenge for those guys which is the challenge for everyone in the competition, you have to play well consistently, week in, week out.
“I think if you play consistently week in, week out in a winning team you give yourself a really good chance to be in a England selection chat come the end of the season.”
On Litten specifically, Last added: “Davy has taken a significant step in the right direction this year and credit to him.
“He was one in the pre-season mithering me for video, saying: ‘I want to look at Herbie Farnworth, show me what he’s doing and how can I defend like that? Right, show me Stephen Crichton, how can I influence a game more?’
“I think Davy is someone who goes away, he’s diligent, he works hard at his game and he turns up every day with a great energy and an intent to learn. He’s getting his rewards for it and he’s playing some consistent rugby in Super League.
“I think the challenge for him is, and he’d be the first to admit it, is he probably played the best game of his career at Catalans, he was man of the match and everyone was patting him on the back. We then play Castleford at home and he probably has his worst game of the year.
“Consistent players play week in, week out at 8/10. That’s the challenge and I think Davy has played six weeks now where he’s been consistent and played a high level. He had a great duel with his opposite number Adam Keighran and Davy came out on the right side of it.
“He gets the opportunity to go up against Taane Milne this week and Milne had his covered at Magic Weekend. I know Davy will be making it a personal battle to make it 1-1 against Milne. He’s playing well and credit it to him, he’s doing the work.”
