Andy Last has praised Hull’s ‘grit’ after last nights 32-28 victory over Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.
In an end-to-end thriller in West Yorkshire, Hull’s late score from Jake Connor with just minutes to go on the clock secured the win and saw Last’s side overtake the Tigers in the Betfred Super League table.
Speaking after the game, Last said: “It was an epic encounter with two busted teams desperate for a result without plenty of their best players unavailable to them.
“Both sides were forced into plenty of changes before the game and during the match so credit must go to both teams for a really entertaining clash.
“During the week, I pulled out an old article written by Phil Gould from 2007 and it referred to the Broncos who had just won the 2006 Grand Final, but started that next season poorly so had to find their ‘grit’ again by hanging in there when you’re under pressure, and I think that really struck a cord with the boys tonight.”
Last also commented on the performance of young half-back Ben McNamara who scored on his professional debut for the Black & Whites.
“Ben is a very good level-headed lad. He has come through our system at scholarship and academy level, and featured in the reserves too – he is from good stock and has a big influence from his dad.
“Ben follows what you tell him to do precisely, and he’s working really hard and a real credit to himself. He’s in first every morning, he eats right and gets out and practices his kicking, and he has really bought into what we’re trying to do which has earned the respect of his teammates because of that. He was great off the bench for us and I’m so pleased he got over for a try.”
Last also priased the return of influential forward and vice-captain Scott Taylor, adding: “He makes a big difference to us. Someone with that experience, having played in big games and being an emotional leader for us, its a real benefit to have him out there. He leads from the front and the boys listen to him.
He added: “One to seventeen, they showed that spirit and desperation, and long may it continue into the tough run of fixtures we have coming up after our week off. “
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