Jake Connor says there is a healthy competition for places within the Hull FC squad ahead of tomorrow’s Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-final tie with Huddersfield Giants.
Head coach Brett Hodgson has had the luxury of naming squad numbers one to fourteen in his 21-man squad this week, a key sign of Hull’s strength as we approach the second quarter of the 2022 campaign.
Hodgson is now at the stage where he is having to make key selection decisions, which could play a crucial part in Hull FC’s continued participation in this year’s Challenge Cup competition.
But Connor believes Hodgson’s decision has been made that bit harder by a healthy competition within the squad, both on the field and at the Jacuzzi Elite Performance Centre.
“That’s what we’re trying to achieve here and we are all trying to improve one another week by week,” Connor explained.
“I think we’ve already seen evidence of that this season. I’ll use the example of Joe Lovodua, who has played in a number of different positions this season and it’s pretty much impossible to drop him now.
“Others can take inspiration from that, knowing that they will be hard to drop if they keep performing well.
“It’s now in everyone’s own hands to continue playing at that level to ensure they stay in the side.”
Connor continued his lip service of Joe Lovodua later in the press conference.
The Fijian utility man has been nominated for Hull FC’s Getextra Player of the Month, with a try and four assists in March alone.
“He came over here as a hooker, but he’s been playing the halves in the last few games,” Connor said.
“He’s been killing it lately, to be fair. He brings that spark as most people will have seen and he brings a bit of off-the-cuff footy.
“But he does all the other stuff well, such as kick chasing and try line defence. He’s been solid for us this season.”
Connor has had direct involvements of 19 of Hull FC’s tries in 2022, playing a significant role in the spine of the team at fullback.
It’s easy to forget that he was originally brought into the club as a centre. But over time, he has transitioned into a halfback and a fullback.
Despite the contrast in roles, Connor says he didn’t find the transition too difficult at all.
“I wouldn’t say it has been a major transition, but there was a bit for the lungs to get used to,” Connor explained.
“I study the game quite well, so I know all of the ins and outs of each position, so that gave me a bit of help before I did eventually move to fullback.”
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