Hull FC are targeting a big finish to the year.
Hull FC loose forward John Asiata.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC enter the final six weeks of the season in a Super League play-off place – and their aim is to stay there. They host Leigh Leopards this Saturday evening knowing that their biggest piece of the puzzle is back and ready to fire: John Asiata.
The club’s loose forward and vice captain returned to action against Salford Red Devils last weekend, and it didn’t take long for him to stamp his influence. In fact, the 31-year-old orchestrated Hull’s first try on their very first set, taking the first receiver role and offering that middle link in the field, and while much tougher tests await, there’s no doubting his impact, his control on Hull’s attack, and his leadership.
For Yusuf Aydin, those components are massive and are central now to Hull’s charge for a top six finish ahead of a third meeting this year against the Leythers.
“We’ve missed him a lot but it’s more about how much we’re looking forward to having him back,” Aydin said. “He’s a key player in every aspect, at training, in games, and off the field.
“Just around the camp, he is massive. He’s brought in a couple of things that we didn’t do last year where we can reflect on what we’ve done and discuss that, how we’re going to improve, and move on from it.
“There’s just a real feel-good vibe constantly coming from him, so he’s definitely been welcomed back with open arms. It’s exciting. He looks as fresh as ever – and just like he did at the start of the season.”
In Asiata’s absence, with the forward out with a hamstring injury since May, Aydin was named at loose forward, but it was Liam Knight who played that role. For Aydin, in his first full season at Hull, it was business as usual, with the 24-year-old getting confidence from Asiata and aiming to build his game on what works for him.
“John has just given me a lot of confidence and faith,” Aydin continued. “He’s always in the dressing room and he’s always coming up to me before games just saying how he believes in me and to trust myself. He’s been massive for us and me personally.
“I just want to try to keep putting my best foot forward, doing what I can to help the team and the way that we play. I think I’ve been able to do that and hopefully I can keep building on that, basing my game on the effort areas and doing my bit for the team.”
Renowned as one of the fittest players at the club, Aydin has again put in huge playing stints this year. But for the former Hull KR man, it’s just water off the duck’s back.
“It’s just something I just keep trying to keep on top of,” he said. “It’s a choice, really, isn’t it, just trying to get fitter. And I know that if I’m fitter than my opposite number, I can play for longer, do more effectively, and hopefully get the best out of my game.”
And it’s the best version of their game that Hull will need this Saturday. They host high-flying Leigh, knowing that a third home victory of the year will keep them inside the top six positions for another week – and further appease those who have backed them all year.
“Our home form is one thing that we are aiming to constantly improve because the fans deserve it,” Aydin added. “They have really got behind us this year.
“And even last year, the numbers that they came in to say what we were going through and the performances we were putting out there. We owe it all to them.”