Hull FC have some decisions to make.
Hull FC’s Lennon Clark has been praised for his derby performance.
Andy Last believes Hull FC young gun Lennon Clark is doing all he can to earn a new deal at the club.
Hull Live reported on Thursday that the club have offered the 20-year-old a new contract into the 2027 season and beyond, with the two parties now going through the formalities to finalise the deal. The understanding is both parties want to make the deal happen, with Clark enjoying a strong spell over the last few months.
After making his first-team debut at Leigh Leopards back in May, Clark got a first start against Hull KR at the Magic Weekend last week. He has also featured on loan at Goole Vikings this year and performed well for Hull’s reserve side.
“He had a good solid 80 minutes for us, did Lenny,” Last told Hull Live. “All credit to him. He had some strong carries and got through his work defensively, and he more than held his own in a full-blooded derby game. He’ll be better for it.
“He is a good lad, Lenny, and I’d say he’s had a really good three months now. When I stepped in as interim head coach, I spoke to the reserves about not just waiting for people to fall off and get injured to get their chance. I said, ‘Play well’, and then if someone does fall over and they’re injured, you’re in a better position to take that opportunity and stay in the team, and Lenny’s really taken that on board.
“He has trained very well. He’s gone away and played for the reserves and has probably been one of their standout performers. He’s always in Danny Houghton’s top three. He has also spent some time at Goole and Scott Taylor was real pleased with his performance. And then to be able to actually have that conversation with him and give him a first-team start against Hull KR and being a boyhood Hull FC fan and seeing the pictures on social media, that was a nice moment for him and his family.
“I’m not on Instagram, but I’ve seen it from my two sons and my daughter. There was a picture of him in a Hull FC kit and he looks about three years old and then there’s a picture of him on the pitch at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and that’s a real nice moment. Credit to Lenny. It’s also good for us; it shows there is a pathway for these young lads to come through.”
Last also revealed a pickle juice mix-up from Clark. The juice is used to ease cramps during games, with players instructed to swirl it in their mouths. The young back-rower instead swallowed it, something the Hull coach thinks may be attributable to his young looks.
“There was some pickle juice being swallowed by Lenny – you’re meant to just swirl it round in your mouth for cramps and he decided that his cramps were that bad he’d swallow it,” Last smirked. “He didn’t even spit it out, so that was like a funny story from the game, but he did well to play for the 80 minutes, and I was really pleased for him.
“He has not changed much, you know, so I’m going to have to ask him if it’s all that pickle juice that keeps him looking so young. He’s 20 years old now and that photo he must be about three and you know he’s not changed a great deal so he’s doing something right.”
As for Hull’s other out-of-contract players, the message is simple: keep putting your best foot forward. The likes of Yusuf Aydin, Tom Briscoe, Brad Fash, and Ligi Sao are all out of contract come the season’s end.
“It’s a difficult one because I’m holding the fort for a new head coach coming in,” Last added. “I know Steve (McNamara) will be watching our performances on a weekly basis and trying to assess those players who he wants to move forward with, so it’s a difficult situation.
“It’s a difficult situation for those individuals, too, but we’re just trying to make the best of it. I’m a big believer that if you’re performing well, then contracts, etc., normally take care of themselves. Those guys, as and when they need to be informed, I’m sure they will be.”