Andy Last has hailed the resolve of the Hull FC players and staff following the decision to step in and face Leeds Rhinos at Emerald Headingley this evening, with Castleford unable to fulfil their fixture due to squad availability.
The change has been made following the return of three positive Covid-19 tests in the Tigers’ camp, with a further six players being stood down as part of track and trace protocols.
Hull FC were not due to play this week – but were approached on Wednesday evening to fulfil the fixture at short notice, less than 24 hours before the game.
After extensive consultation with coaching staff and senior players, the unanimous decision was made to fulfil the fixture, despite the Black & Whites having 13 players missing through – nine through injury and four due to Covid-19 related matters.
Andy Last has described his pride at the commitment across the club following the decision.
Speaking on the decision to play, Last said: “We had an internal issue with a member of the bubble being tested positive for Covid-19, so that impacted us yesterday morning – we had to follow the track and trace protocols and follow the proximity reports. Going through that process meant we had to stand down three other players.
“We were then informed later in the day that we may need to step in at short notice to face Leeds due to issues at other clubs and discussions were ongoing between the relevant people.
He added: “After my initial shock, we spoke as a staff group and had a look at what was available to us in terms of the squad, and felt comfortable that if we had to do this, then we were prepared to do so, despite having so many players unavailable to us – we all felt there was a bigger picture to consider.”
“We spoke with the the senior players within the group who understood the situation and realised the importance of keeping the game going, and felt it was the right thing to do for their sport.”
“We got the confirmation late yesterday evening that we were needed to play, so it was a long night, making sure everyone is informed of the situation, plenty of logistical work behind the scenes and doing what you can to prepare mentally for a game with less than 24 hours notice, but we’re happy to be doing it for the game.
After a late night of planning and preparation, Last explained the positive reaction of the players to the announcement, saying: “The big positive for me was the response of the players – as soon as I brought up the subject to them, they understood the bigger picture and how important it is to get the games on for the fans and the broadcasters.
“They know that these clubs need to support each other – we had a major Covid-19 outbreak in August and Castleford were one of the teams to step in for us when we couldn’t play.
“The work that has gone on behind the scenes is just another example of the hard work that takes place on a daily basis, everyone is working their fingers to the bone from players, to coaching staff, to the management to ensure we can fulfil our commitments as a club.
“It makes you very proud to see the character and commitment of the playing group when they’re pulling together during times of adversity. “
Hull go into the game without 13 players, but Last says his side will “roll their sleeves up”, continuing: “It will affect us, but it is the nature of this season.
“We haven’t been able to get any consistency in team selection since the restart, or any consistency in on-the-field training because of the short turnarounds. It is the same for all clubs and it has certainly affected us, but we need to roll our sleeves up and get on with it.
“We will be sure to go out there and put in a big performance and make a good account of ourselves at short notice.”
Hull can only name a 19-man squad for the match, including two potential debutants if selected and up to eight local players who have progressed from their academy.
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