Hull FC lost the third and final derby of the season in what has been a miserable campaign for the Black and Whites. Ten games into his tenure as interim coach, Simon Grix has responded by claiming that he needs a “team that delivers”, slamming the players for failure to follow instructions.
Back on home soil, there were some Hull KR fans fearful that an upset could be on the cards with the Robins having let performances slip of late with their last two games being dragged to golden point. As for FC, their loss to Salford came courtesy of missed conversions whilst they were unlucky against the likes of Huddersfield and Warrington in recent weeks.
Any chance of a home win went out of the window very early on though as Willie Peters’ side learned their lesson from last week and started at a rapid pace. Hull FC were trailing 18-0 within the opening 20 minutes, taking the unanswered points tally at the MKM Stadium for KR to 116, a quite incredible feat.
For Simon Grix, who has overseen just one win in his ten games in interim charge, it was the same old story. That’s something he showcased in just two words when he spoke with BBC Humberside after the game.
Asked to assess his feelings following the 24-10 loss, Grix bluntly stated: “Frustrated. Again.”
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“Not good enough” – Hull FC need to “get smarter”
Credit: Imago Images
After witnessing a derby on Friday night in which Wigan Warriors and St Helens traded blows for 80 minutes, it would be easy to forget that Hull FC versus Hull KR is the only cross-city derby in Super League, such was the lacklustre early efforts by the Black and Whites.
Hull KR were arguably outplayed for 60 minutes of the game but fortunately for them, they managed to win the game in the opening 20. Simon Grix lamented the slow start as he spoke to BBC Humberside.
“It didn’t look like we felt it was a derby and 18-0 down gives you a long road back against such a good team, but we came back out and showed a bit but I’m tired of talking about energy and all that.
“If we don’t get smarter and start playing how we practice for larger periods, that will keep happening to us.”
More frustrating for the interim coach was his belief that the players abandoned any game plan, perhaps being overcome by the emotion of the derby instead. Grix called for player accountability as he labelled his team ‘not good enough’.
He argued: “We’re not doing what we’re practising and we’re not a good enough side, as harsh as that may sound, or true, but we’re not good enough to turn up on a Sunday and just dip in and out of a plan that we’ve worked on all week.
“The lads have got to be accountable for that, and they will, but we’re down to bare bones as well, so it’s not like we can chop and change everything. But I need a team that goes out there and delivers what they’re practising.”
Another interesting side note from the game that will certainly be played out at disciplinary is the accusation from Elliot Minchella that Brad Fash grabbed his testicles, something that could leave Hull FC on even ‘barer bones’, should the mullet man be banned.
Starting centres sidelined: Derby defeat comes at a cost
Credit: Imago Images
Not only was it a loss that hurt the ego of the players and of the club’s fans, it was a defeat that has seen two senior players pick up injuries that will leave Hull FC shorthanded against champions Wigan next week.
Grix explained: “We lost Sutty early doors to a HIA but I thought Davey came on and did a really good job in that period. Looked threatening with the ball and then we lost Los (Carlos Tuimavave) at half-time.
“He’s obviously had hamstring issues. He’s been feeling a little bit this week but because of where we are in terms of numbers, bodies and senior bodies if you like, he’s played and he got to half-time, but wasn’t feeling too good with it.
“He started cooling down at half-time and I wanted to avoid another injury. He’s been there too many times I think. We’re doing it tough at the moment, but it is what it is. We can’t moan about it. No one else feels sorry for us. There’s no point in us doing so.”
Confirming that former club captain Tuimavave would almost certainly miss the game against Wigan, Grix did reflect on the positives as he noted the impressive performance of replacement Davey Litten, yet another youngster that FC are having to rely upon this season.
“Carlos is certainly a doubt for Wigan. I’m not sure if we picked up anything more serious than that, though, fortunately. So, yeah, we’ll look at it in the week, but if Carlos isn’t there, that’s absolutely fine. I thought Davey did a great job and gave us what he got today, so that’ll be the solution for us.”
