Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell has revealed what he reckons is the key to Hull FC’s resurgence this season.
Hull travel to Wakefield on Friday on the back of a stunning 26-22 Challenge Cup win at holders Wigan Warriors, which came after they trailed 22-6 at half-time.
With two wins and a draw in Betfred Super League games so far, victory at Trinity would see them overtake last year’s points tally with only five rounds played.
Wakefield have also made a solid start, picking up two win – both away from home – in four league rounds, but Powell admitted the never-say-die Black and Whites present a “pretty stiff challenge” for Trinity.
Wakefield Trinity v Hull FC squad news
He warned: “Everyone’s talking about Hull and how well they are doing. I’ve watched their last three games and they have been pretty good.
“They had a battling draw against Leigh, who are a good side, they beat Wigan and beat Huddersfield at the death so they are a good team who have improved significantly.
“They could have easily folded last week and in the Leigh game, but fought back from a really tough position so they are much more durable than they have been in the recent past.
“They’ve signed even more new players than us, so it’s a complete rebuild really. Herman Ese’ese, Aidan Sezer and John Asiata are dangerous players who play a certain way that puts pressure on opposition teams, they are scoring points and they are a dangerous attacking team.
“I think more than anything, they look more durable – they don’t fold even if they get behind. They are still hanging in there.”
Wakefield Trinity still seeking home win but Powell not ‘hung up on it’
Victories at Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and – in the Cup – Huddersfield Giants have shown promoted Trinity can compete in the top-flight, but the lack of a home win so far for Wakefield has been a disappointment and that’s something Powell admitted they must put right.
“You don’t want to get hung up about it – I think that’s important, otherwise it creates anxiety – but your home form is obviously crucial,” he conceded.
“Every sports team would say that; it’s where most of your fans watch you play. Our away fans have been incredible, but obviously we want to do well at home.
“We didn’t play that great against Saints, but I thought we were excellent against Hull KR in a tough game.
“We know [Friday’s game] is another tough challenge, but you don’t want it to be easy, that doesn’t create a great competition. We need to be good to win and our aim is to be really good.”
He added: “I think the boys are doing a pretty good job in terms of competing every week. We’ve won our last two and consistency is something we are striving for now.
“I thought we were off in the Saints game, but apart from that we’ve been pretty good. We’ve shown we can compete and the boys are gaining confidence from that.”
Powell explains “rejig” after several stars suffer injury
Trinity picked up three new injuries last week, with Max Jowitt, Isaiah Vagana and Matty Storton – who is facing a four month layoff – all unavailable to face Hull, but Powell reckons dealing with adversity is one of his side’s strengths.
“We are fighting different battles,” he said. “Last week we were down at half-time and we’d lost key players.
“We had to rejig a fair bit and coming through those kinds of situations can give you strength, which builds a bit more unity.
“We’ve proved so far we can match it with the best teams, but the challenge in Super League is being able to do it over how many rounds there are, with the Challenge Cup in there as well.
“We know we have got a way to go, we are learning about ourselves all the time, but we certainly have a positive environment that everybody enjoys being a part of. Everyone’s working hard and enjoying each other’s company.”
