Tough times for Hull FC, but adversity brings with it one positive.
Hull FC celebrate a defensive win.
Harvey Barron has challenged Hull FC to channel their next man up mentality in a bid to salvage their season.
Losing their last three matches – the most recent a 42-6 reverse at Leigh Leopards – the Black and Whites have it all to do.
Down to their bare bones, they currently have 16 players out to injury and suspension, albeit some of those are hoped to come back into contention for Friday’s game away at Warrington Wolves.
Nonetheless, Barron is challenging the squad to find their inner strength and back whoever takes to the field at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, with some young players impressing despite the loss at Leigh and two more in Ben Johnson and Lennon Clark making their debuts.
“We don’t really look into it too much,” Barron said of Hull’s current situation. “We have a next man up mentality, so whoever comes in, we all get behind and feel that they can fill that spot and do the job.
“That’s the mentality we’ve all got as players, whether you’re playing or not playing, that the person beside you is going to do their job and then you’re going to do your job and all work together and help the team.
“We all play the same and we all know what our role is when you go into the team. It’s the same role just with different people around you, but you know your job, you know the person next to you is doing his job, so it’s just all about clicking together and getting over the line.
“We’re a positive group with positive coaches, so we’ll just keep just ticking along and it’ll fall into place.”
Barron is also looking for a welcome history repeat at Hull. It was the winger, along with Lewis Martin and Logan Moy who got their shots in 2024. And now two years later a similar situation is in play.
“We’re behind all the young boys,” Barron said. “They all deserve to play when the chance comes. Lasty won’t put them in for no reason and it’s exciting when a young lad gets to play.
“You’ve just to take your opportunities when they come and yeah, a few years later down the line, you’ll be playing most weeks, so it’s exciting.
“I played with the reserves a couple of weeks ago and there was some good players in that, that I didn’t necessarily know too much about, but I’ve seen them play there and there’s some good players coming through in the academy and the scholarship as well are unbeaten this year. There’s some exciting times ahead.”