So far so good for Hull FC’s loan trio – including a career best for Max Wood.
Ethan O’Neill celebrates a Hull FC win.(Image: SW PIX)
The old adage with any loan player is ‘don’t fall in love with them’, but Hull FC’s latest loanee trio are making it difficult for interim head coach Andy Last not to.
Playing six games for Hull, Jeremiah Mata’utia is getting to grips with life at the Black and Whites, while Ethan O’Neill has also played the last four – scoring twice in last Saturday’s win over Huddersfield Giants and looking a threat every time he got the ball.
On loan for a second month from Leeds Rhinos, the duo are fully committed to the Black and Whites in their time here and have been playing their part. However, they remain Leeds Rhinos players, with the parent club holding a call back option if desired.
Nonetheless, Last is satisfied with what he’s getting out of them, with another loan player, Max Wood, also doing his bit in his first game after signing on a month’s loan from Warrington Wolves.
“Ethan is very athletic,” Last told Hull Live. “He scored two nice tries. Every time he gets the ball, he looks as though he is going to make something happen, which is a strength.
“Jeremiah has not played a great deal of first grade; he hadn’t started any games until he came to us, so he’s managing those starts, which is helping in terms of our rotations along with Harvie (Hill), Herman (Ese’ese), and Max (Wood), and he’s getting better every week.
“He’s a big body, Jeremiah, and getting that big body around the field is something he is aware he needs to do better, but he’s starting to get those lungs and match sharpish and fitness – and he’s looking better for it.”
And on Wood, who achieved a Super League best against the Giants, Last continued: “He’s had another good week’s prep. He’s trained well. I did a little bit of video with him and showed him some things he can probably do a little bit better, but he punched out a good solid 60 minutes for us.
“He’s very capable through the middle of the field and he’s got that athleticism to play on the edge too. He did that job for us really well. He’s helping us during this moment and he enjoyed his minutes. That was the most minutes he’s played in a Super League game and he did them effectively.”
And while Last is aware of the old adage, the two clubs continue to work together, and so long as the needs continue to be met for all parties, then there’s every chance a loan extension could occur when the time comes.
“At any point, their clubs can call them back,” Last added. “I’m in contact with Brad Arthur and I’ve been giving him feedback on Ethan and Jeremiah.
“He’s comfortable with what we’ve been saying. The relationship there has been good. It’s been good to share an opinion with Brad on what he’s expecting from the two players in their time with us.
“We’re really, really grateful for that help from Brad and the Rhinos are also going to benefit from them getting game time and we’re benefitting from them being here now. It’s worked well for both clubs.”