Tony Smith offering ‘no clues’ on Hull FC’s pursuit of star half-back

Hull FC host in form Wakefield Trinity this afternoon with Mark Applegarth’s men looking to add a fifth win to their season tally and pull clear of bottom placed Castleford Tigers, whereas for Hull FC it’s a must win if they’re to close ground in a playoff hunt that features five other teams contesting just two places, with Warrington Wolves and cross city rivals Hull KR in the driving seat ahead of Salford Red Devils, Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants.

FC losing last week to Huddersfield Giants was a major blow and former player Paul Cooke has now described the task of making the top six ‘almost mathematically impossible’, claiming the Black and Whites will need to be close to perfect in their final seven games to sneak into the playoffs.

It was also a busy week for the club in terms of announcements with confirmation that Jake Clifford would be heading back down under, prompting the question of who will replace their Aussie star.

One man who has been linked is Newcastle Knights half Adam Clunes and when asked about that prospect of Clunes being the half back replacement, Tony Smith responded in a joking fashion to BBC Humberside.

“No clues, no Clunes,” the veteran coach informed the media before being asked why there hadn’t been any incomings prior to Friday’s registration deadline.

“No, there’s got to be the right person and the right fit for us. That person isn’t available, those persons aren’t available at the moment so no, we’ve got some some people here that are waiting for their chances and when their chances come I’m sure they’ll do a good job.”

He was more optimistic on recruitment for 2024 although was unprepared to inform on who or when they would be announced.

“We’re finding some pieces falling into place and we need some more to happen as well so we’ll wait until the full picture is there.

“I’m encouraged by the direction that we’re heading and the way that we’re going about it. I know that’s not going to satisfy some fans and supporters and that’s just the way it is at the moment.

“Rather than do things half-heartedly and half-announced, we’d rather make sure that we get the right pieces in the right spots before we start to make any sort of announcements.”