Andy Last on Hull FC performance, honesty, and accountability.
Hull FC produced their worst performance of the season against Toulouse.
Andy Last isn’t afraid to make changes to Hull FC’s side after a poor performance against Toulouse Olympique.
The Black and Whites’ interim head coach watched on as Hull produced arguably their worst account of the season so far against the French outfit, with Last laying down the law to his squad.
Honest with his reviews and selections, Last has stated that performance is key, and he’s not afraid to put the ‘big stick over the head’, so to speak, in ringing the changes.
Hull next face Bradford Bulls at Odsal on May 17. They will hope to have Ligi Sao available once again should the prop pass his return-to-play checks after an HIA, while Harvey Barron, Matty Laidlaw, and a handful of young players wait in the background for their opportunity.
“I think performance is king,” Last said. “We want players that will force my hand to pick them. We don’t want players injured or busted, and then you’re just given an opportunity to play and you’re not taking those opportunities.
“We want everybody to be fit, healthy, and firing and driving standards on the training field and striving to put in the best performances and make it really difficult for me to select the team.
“All I can be is honest with those players when I select them or de-select them because that’s what they all ask for. They ask for honesty.
“I give them honest feedback. If they deserve a pat on the back, they’ll stay in the team and they’ll get the pat on the bat if they deserve it, but if they don’t, they’ll get a punch in the face or the big stick over the head.
“I’m happy to give him the big stick because that’s what they asked for. And I’m happy to deliver that and that ties into holding players accountable. Performances will warrant selection.”
Hull will be without Connor Bailey for the foreseeable future after confirmation of his broken collar bone. He joins an injury list containing Will Pryce (ACL), Herman Ese’ese (Achilles), Jed Cartwright (hamstring), John Asiata (hamstring), Sam Lisone (pec), Arthur Romano (ankle), and Joe Ward (ACL).
It’s hoped the likes of Ese’ese and Cartwright can return by the end of the month, although no timeframe has been put on either player by Last. But that will help competition, with accountability sought after what has been an inconsistent season so far.
“The benefit of getting your squad fitter and players available for selection is it makes the quality of the training sessions a lot higher,” Last explained. “Everyone’s striving to put their best foot forward and get themselves in a position where their form’s strong and they are knocking on the door of the coaching staff.
“That’s what you want, but again, performance is key, and I’ll use that big stick as and when it’s needed.”