Herman Ese’ese has been linked with a Hull FC exit.
Hull FC prop Herman Ese’ese.(Image: Getty)
Hull FC interim coach Andy Last has heard nothing to suggest reports that Herman Ese’ese is set for an imminent departure from the club are true – and stated it’s the first he’s heard of it in his post-match press conference.
Sky Sports reported ahead of Thursday night’s clash at St Helens that the now 32-year-old was set to play his last game for Hull, with a move coming to a club ‘at the top end of Super League on the cards’.
That club has been speculated to be Leeds Rhinos, who are reportedly in for the player.
Ese’ese returned to the Hull lineup against the Saints after missing last week’s defeat at Huddersfield Giants due to illness and played his part in the 32-18 victory on Merseyside. In fact, the big prop, who is contracted at FC until 2029 with a club option of another year, arguably played his best game since returning from an Achilles rupture that kept him out for nine months.
Last has asked about Sky’s reports post-match and admitted he was puzzled by the nature of them.
“I can’t (shed any light on them) – that’s the first I’ve heard of it,” he said. “I thought Herman was good tonight; he played strongly, but I can’t confirm or deny any of that.”
Pushed further by Hull Live, Last continued: “He’s contracted until 2030, so that would suggest he’s going to be at Hull FC for the long term. There’ve been no talks in regard to that with me.
“He set the tone tonight, I thought. He scored a try, in my opinion. I don’t know how they have come up with no try; I thought he got the ball down.
“He made some strong carries and he moved better defensively and looked good. I’m really pleased for him.”
Last, in interim charge at Hull since April, has been dealt a tough hand ahead of Steve McNamara’s arrival as head coach this autumn, with player exit speculation and reports rampant throughout the summer. The likes of Aidan Sezer, Cade Cust, and Amir Bourouh have all been linked with moves away from the club in what has been an unsettling period.
“It is unsettling but that’s the nature of where we’re at at the moment,” Last said. “A new coach is coming in and wants to put his mark on it and he’ll be assessing things but the big thing, and I’ve said it previously, is you give yourself the best opportunity to stay at the club by playing well and performing well.
“We haven’t performed well enough this season so there will be some change. It is unsettling, but for professional players in professional sports, it’s a very fragile occupation we’re in.
“One minute it can be going great and the minute you get the tap on the shoulder. That’s the nature of professional sport.”