Brett Hodgson says Friday’s defeat to Huddersfield was a tough result to take, having until the final six minutes of the match.
A late brace from Giants hooker Danny Levi saw the Black & Whites defeated 22-16 at the John Smith’s Stadium, having led for the majority of the contest.
“I thought the effort was very good, but the sin-bin before half-time for Will Smith, plus the way we started the second-half, was key; we didn’t come out with the right intend and they lifted their game at that time. I think that’s where the game was lost.
“It’s a tough result to take.”
He continued: “Effort was good, and losing two of our middles didn’t help us; that contributed to us conceding two soft tries at the end of the game.
“Some of the decisions to penalise us were very harsh – it’s not often I say that. But we have to rise above that and bounce back and help this galvanize us.
“We didn’t apply enough pressure in the first-half and we didn’t capitalise on a few opportunities. We didn’t get that many chances in either half in fairness.
“It’s a difficult way to lose it right at the end of the game, but we’re a much tighter group after this last two weeks and we need to use this result to help push us on.”
Hodgson held individual praise for his loan players once again.
“I thought everyone contributed at some stage – Jack Walker, Ellis Longstaff and Josh Simm all had some good moments again. Across the board, there were also moments we’d want to try again at.”
Hodgson looked ahead to next week, and saying the superb support in the stands is needed again next week as Hull host Saints.
“It was a great turnout from the fans again, and we’re always incredibly grateful for that. They ride the waves with us, and we’ll need all their support again next week.
“Mitch Vulikijapani should come back in next week, as well as Jordan Johnstone. We could possibly have Ben McNamara back too, but it’ll come a week too early for most of the other injured boys.”
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