Young winger Harvey Barron has reflected on a dream debut, which saw him score a try on his very first appearance in Black & White yesterday.
Barron touched down in his first senior appearance as the Airlie Birds ran out 30-6 winners over Toulouse at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
He came onto the field for the final quarter of the match, and impressed head coach Brett Hodgson with some strong defensive efforts, carries, and a try to add the cherry on top of a memorable evening.
Speaking after the game, Barron said: “It was unreal, travelling all the way over here. I found out yesterday (Thursday), it was late notice, but the boys were great. They had my back and it couldn’t have gone any other way.
“There were a few injuries and knocks out there. I was hoping they stopped going down so we had enough subs left for me to get on. Luckily, I got twenty odd minutes to play.”
On his debut try, Barron continued: “I don’t know what happened – I just tried to nudge the ball back in field and see if anyone was there but luckily it bounced back to me. It was a bit of a fluke really. I suppose you make your own luck, but it’s just a dream to score on your debut. You can’t ask for any more.”
And the young winger discussed his rise through the club’s system that has led him to this crucial moment in his career.
“I’ve come through the system at Hull. I’ve worked all the way up and got a chance in the first team last year but I had a bad injury and that carried through to pre-season this year.
“I’ve just been working on getting my confidence back and getting back to game fitness and working on all the stuff Brett (Hodgson) has been telling me about. I’ve been making sure my game has been improving and luckily Brett has given me a chance today.”
Hull ran out dominant winners in the end after an impressive second-half display, with Hull having some twelve players out on the sidelines.
“It makes it better coming in like this as you know the pressure is on,” Barron admitted. “You want to get the win and especially for the travelling fans.
“You just make sure you win the ruck and get out your end, land the reads and get good contact. That was a big two points today and it helps us get towards the top six and the play-offs.”
With some eight players making their Hull FC debut this season, including fellow yougsters Denive Balmforth, Charlie Severs and Matty Laidlaw, Barron explained his delight at the young members of the squad being given playing opportunities in 2022.
“We get loads of opportunities in training and in games with a few of us playing recently. They’re (coaching staff) are always pushing us to make sure we’re still working hard. They treat us like true professionals which is great.
“We always like to think we’re a good set of lads and we’re good players. The more senior boys bounce off that as well, and they accept that we’re trying to get in there.
“They’re good with us and teaching us along the way, making sure we keep grounded and making sure we keep working hard and not switching off or thinking we’re there when we’re not quite there yet.”
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