Jake Connor believes that Hull’s composure in the second half was key to helping the Black & Whites defeat Castleford Tigers on Thursday night.
Hull went into half-time with a slender lead thanks to Mahe Fonua’s try just before the hooter, which Connor played a significant role in.
The fullback was at the centre of the action in the second half, too, providing another assist, kicking a 40/20 and scoring a try of his own.
FC ended up winning the match 30-12, and Connor believes that was significantly down to how well Hull managed the second period.
“The first half was pretty tight, but we knew how to deal with the game in the second half and I think that’s what saw us through in the end,” Connor said.
“It was simple plays like Chris [Satae] carrying hard and getting us on the front foot.
“If the forwards don’t carry the ball like that, the halfbacks don’t really get many chances and the tries don’t really come, so a lot of plaudits have got to go to those middles after that effort.
“We always look to Chris when we’re looking to get into dangerous areas because we know nine times out of ten he’s going to get a quick play-the-ball.”
Connor has only missed one game so far this season, building consistently in the role of fullback while Jamie Shaul recovers from an ACL injury.
He is adapting to the role in style, contributing 13 assists in the league alone so far this season, which makes him the league’s top try provider in 2021.
But Connor still feels there is room for improvement, and Thursday’s effort against Cas was a step in the right direction.
“I’ve been told that I need to get involved in the games more, so I put that into action,” he said.
“I’m getting there. Look, it’s my first season at fullback, so I’m still learning.
“Everyone is still learning and I want to keep heading in the right direction and I think I’m capable of that under a coach like Brett Hodgson.”
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