Clark played the full 80 minutes for Hull against Hull KR at Magic Weekend
Lennon Clark in action for Hull FC at Magic Weekend(Image: SW Pix)
Hull FC interim boss Andy Last was more than encouraged with what he saw from youngster Lennon Clark on Saturday.
Clark, a former Hull Wyke junior, made his first start for the Black and Whites over the weekend and the opportunity couldn’t have come on a bigger stage with 20-year-old stepping into the back-row for his first taste of the Hull derby at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The forward is no stranger to first-team rugby, having spent the second half of last season on loan at Workington Town, while he has also made an appearance under Scott Taylor at Goole Vikings this year.
Last gave him his Hull debut in May at Leigh Leopards with the youngster stepping off the bench at Leigh Sports Village, but the interim boss threw him in the deep end at Magic Weekend and he was pleased with how he coped with the challenge.
The youngster played the full 80 in Merseyside, made 28 tackles, 12 carries and 64 metres. He broke two tackles in the game, too, demonstrating his power with the ball in hand.
“He did well, he was solid,” Last said when asked for his verdict on the youngster. “He did his job and that’s what you expect from Lennie.
“He’s a player who has played big minutes for the reserves and he had some time out on loan in the Championship. Punching out 80 minutes in the derby, credit to him.
“He did a good solid job out there, he had some strong carries. He didn’t let anyone down and I’m sure his family will be really proud.”
Clark is one of a handful of youngsters Last has given opportunities to during his spell in charge with the likes of Ben Johnson, Will Hutchinson and Will Kirby all picking up minutes under the interim boss, who will return to his assistant role next season when Steve McNamara takes over.