Hull know their biggest improvement – and it comes as no surprise.
Hull FC loose-forward John Asiata.(Image: Dave Lofthouse, Hull Live)
John Asiata has aired a glaring improvement for Hull FC this year – and to no surprise, it all centres on the play of the ball, and what they can do to get on top.
The Black and Whites have struggled to get to grips with rugby league’s faster rucks so far this year – and on both sides of the ball, with such realities contributing to a start to the season that has seen them lose four of their first five games against top flight opposition.
Second best in both attack and defence, Hull have found it tough going to halt the momentum of their opposition’s attack, with their opponent rolling down the field, and on the contrary, have found quick rucks and yardage hard to come by when they have the ball.
The reality came to an ugly head against Leigh Leopards once again in the Challenge Cup on Saturday afternoon, leaving Hull – heavily penalised with six agains and penalties going against them throughout – playing games on the back foot and constantly under pressure.
Needing to break the cycle as soon as possible, Asiata is challenging Hull – who have looked slow and off the pace so far – to get more intense with their defence, having not got the ‘gist’ of the new interpretations. The vice captain has also stated the need to recognise the opportunities to play quick, with the side too lateral and not direct enough this season.
Speaking to Hull Live, Asiata, who has stated the best sides this year will be the ones who get the faster play the balls, said: “The game is so quick now and ruck is a lot quicker. There’s always advantages to stand in tackles because the ref gives the advantage to the attacker if they’re not put to the ground. We’ve got to recognise the times when we can have a quick ruck and play fast over the advantage line.
“I also think we’re probably still too nice in our defence with how we control the ruck at the moment. I think we get off too quickly but I think that also comes to being afraid of giving away a penalty or a six again.
“We haven’t got the gist of it yet, so the more we can push the boundaries of the refs and get a feel of what they’re trying to do, we’ll be better off understanding what is needed at that time.
“But the game now is not necessary set up for the big plays, it’s who can generate the faster play the ball, and the line speed – those are the teams that are going to go really well this year.”