A young Hull FC side fell to a heavy defeat against St Helens last night with the Red Vee running in ten tries to win 58-0 and truly cement what a huge task is needed to turn it around in the West of Hull.
Actions to set their season and their future in the right direction were taken last week with Tony Smith sacked from his role of head coach and then the appointment of Richie Myler as Director of Rugby.
Further moves saw Simon Grix placed as interim head coach whilst overseas stars Tex Hoy and Nu Brown were released, all of which meant that a very inexperienced Hull FC side took the field against a St Helens side that were reeling after two defeats on the spin.
FC named a squad featuring four teenagers with suspensions and injuries hampering their options massively, however, it was interesting to note that two of the club’s pre-season signings in Liam Tindall (18th Man) and Jayden Okunbor (Reserves) were left out of the injury-riddled squad.
That in itself is a major stain on the previous regime’s recruitment and a pointer as to what needs to be worked upon under Myler’s guidance, with the first task at hand for the ex-Leeds Rhinos man being the recruitment of a head coach.
The defeat against Saints marked the fourth instance of Hull FC conceding 50 points or more in their last five games, an embarrassing record that the incoming head coach will be eager to remedy.
One positive from the night for Hull FC fans would be that Sky Sports’ Brian Carney has indicated that Paul Rowley is the club’s target for a new head coach, something that could transform their fortunes.
“How do you even turn this around?” – Hull FC ship 50+ points AGAIN
Credit: Imago Images
Fans have since reacted to the defeat on social media with mixed reviews, plenty taking heart in the fact that the team on the field for once showed heart, whilst others have been quick to jump on and criticise the club once again.
“Men against boys” was the brutal assessment of one fan, perhaps an accurate assessment given the number of youngsters that FC fielded in their side.
It was always gonna get worse before it gets better, tough for the young lads but crying out for some experience now
— TeeGee (@Suimavave) April 19, 2024
Another noted: “Never mind the scoreline, they’ve had a f**king dig. That’s all I want.”
Never mind the scoreline, they’ve had a fucking dig. That’s all I want @hullfcofficial
— Sam Turner (@turner_hull) April 19, 2024
The need for experienced signings was rallied for too: “It was always gonna get worse before it gets better, tough for the young lads but crying out for some experience now.”
It was always gonna get worse before it gets better, tough for the young lads but crying out for some experience now
— TeeGee (@Suimavave) April 19, 2024
The optimism ended quickly though with both rival and Hull FC fans taking aim at yet another ridiculous scoreline with some suggesting that such a massive loss would do more harm than good for the young talents on show.
“That game will do nothing for those kids. Ruining them before their careers start, in the name of “change”. Dump em from SL and give their franchise to York…”
That game will do nothing for those kids. Ruining them before their careers start, in the name of “change”.
Dump em from SL and give their franchise to York…— Tim Martin (@13rovers) April 19, 2024
On the topic of change, one fan asked: “How do you even turn this around? I generally don’t know where to even begin. We are lucky no relegation this year.”
How do you even turn this around? I generally don’t know where to even begin. We are lucky no relegation this year
— Adam (@aquadamski) April 19, 2024
Others argued that Richie Myler wouldn’t change anything.
A recently retired player wearing a suit isn’t going to change anything
— James Hardy (@JamesHa78131584) April 19, 2024
FC’s struggles are highlighted by KR’s current progress but even Hull KR fans couldn’t revel in the defeat, one posting on X: I means it’s not even funny to watch anymore. I’ve never seen an established Super League team be ran this poorly. What is going on at Hull FC?”
I means it’s not even funny to watch anymore. I’ve never seen an established Super League team be ran this poorly.
What is going on at Hull FC?
— Gaz (@RedGaz3) April 19, 2024
Hull FC could take optimism from the fact that they play Leeds Rhinos next at home with the Rhinos having put in a poor performance of their own last night.
That match-up has been labelled “very interesting” by one fan who clearly has hopes that the Black and Whites could bag their second win of the season.
Expected to get beat, BUT not by 50+ points again…
Next weeks game will be very interesting tho 👀
— Gaz Bennett (@gaz_hull) April 19, 2024
