Carlos Queiroz inspiration, injury comeback prediction, ‘waste of time’ game and more – the latest Hull FC notebook.
Hull FC interim head coach Andy Last.
Hull FC continue to look at the positives ahead of Saturday’s Magic Weekend clash against Hull KR. Here is the latest notebook.
Andy Last’s Carlos Queiroz inspiration
Andy Last has been thrown in the deep end in his second spell as Hull FC interim coach, but he’s still enjoying the role – even taking inspiration from a quote from Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz.
The Portuguese manager was the mastermind behind the African nation’s 0-0 draw with England at the World Cup last week. He quoted: “In football, we never lose. We win or we learn.” And it’s something Last, going up against Hull KR at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, is inspired by.
“That’s a good one,” Last said on the quote. “You never lose; you’re just always learning. I’m learning a lot. We’ve lost a few recently and you’ve just got to try and pick out the positives in all your wins and losses. There are things that individuals can learn and there are certain things that, as coaches, you can learn because you’re never the finished article.
“This job has some moments or some days where it’s challenging and there are some periods where you think, “Dear me, what are we going to do here?’ But you learn from challenges and I’m certainly learning a lot about myself and I’m learning a lot about the playing group.
“A big challenge for me is the energy that you come to work with and making sure that you’re positive and trying to focus on the positive energy and not be too negative because the players need to see you with energy, with confidence, and leading in the right sort of way.
“That’s something that I’m aware of and I’m enjoying it. I am enjoying that responsibility and leading this team in a tough period. I’ll be better for the experience moving forward, and as challenging as this period has been, there are going to be some moments where it won’t be as challenging as this, but because I’ve lived through it and you’ve managed it, when those good times come, they’re going to feel a whole lot better.”
Will Kirby prediction made
The young Hull FC forward was ruled out for the rest of the 2026 season last week with an ACL injury. However, the 20-year-old is being backed to return even stronger next year.
“It’s just a sickener for Will and I was gutted for him and again that’s a sad side of our sport,” Last told Hull Live. “You care about the players and I certainly care about the players that I’m coaching and to see a young lad work so hard, get an opportunity, get some plaudits, some pats on the back, and then it’s taken away very quickly, that’s the sad side of it, but we’ll make sure that we do the right thing and get round him and support him the best we can.
“He’s a very committed player is Will. He trains hard and he’s strong in the gym and looks after himself. He competes hard in all facets of his training and in games. That’s his way.
“This will be a challenge but all players face this challenge with long term injuries, unfortunately it’s part and parcel of the game, so you know, mentally, he’ll be better for it in nine months time. We’ve also got a little bit of experience with Will Pryce coming back from an ACL and young Joe Ward coming back from an ACL. Will fill be following that path – we’ll give him the best course of treatment and he’ll come back bigger, faster, and stronger for us.”
Scholars smash Leigh
Hull FC’s scholarship side defeated Leigh Leopards 56-22 last Wednesday night, keeping up their unbeaten run this year with six wins from six games. They scored ten tries in total, with Kadus Boateng scoring a brace and Jake Fletcher, Tuluta Halaifonua, Bobby Stipetic, Alfie Lundie, Jethro Attah-Boakye, Henry Cator, Jacob Last, and Sonny Robinson all crossing over. Alfie Lewis kicked eight goals.
However, Andy Last, whose twin sons, Isaac and Jacob, played in the game, called it ‘a waste of time’ with the side needing more firm challenges as they look to maximise their development. They face St Helens and Wakefield Trinity to complete their season.
“Yeah, it was a waste of time really,” Last said. “I went over to watch it. They was good and they’re a good team, but they didn’t get challenged really. Hopefully, it’ll be a sterner test next when we play St Helens and then they’ve got Wakefield so we’ll see what’s what.
“Walkover scores are not good for anybody. Scoring tries by just running through is not what you want – you want it to be competitive and you want to be challenged and tested and last night’s game, there were some nice tries and the sun was shining and they had it all their own way.
“We need them to be tested a little bit more. Leigh struggled a little bit. They will have had their reasons why they struggled a little bit. It was a warm night and they had some big bodies but we as a team were very clinical and created some opportunities and posted a lot of points.”
Hull’s scholars are coming up to contract time, with clubs offering under-16 players academy contracts for 2027 and beyond. The Black and Whites have had competition for some of the players, with Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Trinity, and even Wigan Warriors thought to have made some enquires.
“Yeah – they’re getting around,” Last said when asked about those deals. “The club have offered contracts to some of the lads. They’re considering them offers and as of when the time comes to accept those offers, those people will make those decisions.”
Reserves earn victory
Hull FC reserves were 32-22 winners over Wakefield Trinity on Monday night, with Lennon Clark and Lloyd Kemp both scoring try braces for the Black and Whites. Elsewhere, Preston Ward and Callum Kemp crossed over, with the game Hull’s first since the reserve league split into two to complete the season.
Women win
Hull FC defeated Salford Red Devils 28-16 in the Women’s Championship on Sunday afternoon. The Black and Whites had a big second half performance to thank for victory, with try braces coming for Kayleigh Waller and Jade Key.