One Hull FC player is going under the radar.
Think Hull FC big guns, and names like Zak Hardaker, John Asiata, and Aidan Sezer spring to mind. However, there’s one player in the Black and Whites’ squad that people are sleeping on: Amir Bourouh.
That’s the view of Hull full-back Will Pryce, who believes the hooker – who was nominated for Hull’s Player of the Year by head coach John Cartwright and co. at the end of last season – is the most underrated player at the club.
Back in pre-season training after a six-week break, Bourouh is set to lead the side from the dummy half role once again and he’s backed to have a big year, not just defensively, but offensively as well.
“I think Amir went a bit unnoticed last year but definitely not within the group,” Pryce told Hull Live. “Behind closed doors we appreciate what he does massively.
“I know there was some noise towards the end of the year, but the way our roles are within the game, you get to a point in your career where you stop listening to the outside noise. Amir is mature enough to understand that the opinions that matter are those of your friends and family and the people within these four walls.
“He knows how highly regarded he is within this group and knows how much we appreciate the things he does, making tackle after tackle and after tackle and playing as tough as he does. They don’t build them like him anymore.
“The minutes he was doing in the middle when we had no other option at some points, they are massive, and he has so much respect from the group. We love him and the things he can do on the field are endless, especially coming into this year now where we’ve got a great group and forward pack for him to play behind. That itself is exciting. Amir is huge defensively. But now you’ll see he has an attack as well.”
Still only 24 years old, Bourouh has plenty of time to develop into his peak. He only turns 25 in January and still has two seasons to run on his deal.
That itself was a point Pryce was quick to emphasise, being only 22 himself, and he’s not on his own. The club’s two wingers, Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin, are only 22 and 21. Davy Litten is 22. Jake Arthur also. It’s very much a young side with added experience, and one looking to learn, evolve, and ultimately get better.
“People probably forget how young we all are,” Pryce continued. “Lewis is only 21, and the things he did last season (32 tries in 30 games and a Dream Team winger) were pretty crazy. Then Harvey, Davy, Jake, and I are all 22.
“There’s only room for us to grow; we’re not at the back end of our careers, which is good for us individually. It’s the same for Amir; he’s only 24. He’s got loads of time to get better.
“We’ve got a young team and it’s about mixing the young and the old and I feel like within this group, we’ve got such a good mix. There’s no hierarchy, and everyone looks after each other.
“That’s the thing I love about this place; whether you’re a young player or an older one, it’s so easy to gel and fit in. I felt that, especially last season, when I came in halfway – you never know what it’s going to be like; people have already built connections and you’ve got to find a mould to fit into, but the boys are great here. We’ve got a great group of people and that can only help the way we play on the field.”