Hull FC got back to winning ways on Thursday night, defeating Leigh Leopards 26-12 on the road. There was also a win for the reserves side, who followed up the first-teams victory over the Leythers. Here is the next edition of the notebook as we round-up the latest news.
Hull FC’s unsung hero
Cade Cust has piled the praise on Hull FC hooker Amir Bourouh. The little hooker has been one of the Black and Whites’ standout players so far this season, putting huge displays in from the dummy half role.
Tough in defence, Bourouh has led the way this season. The former Wigan and Salford player was spelled in the position on Thursday, interchanging between Denive Balmforth. It’s a dynamic expected to continue this week against Catalans Dragons in the south of France.
“He’s just a tough player isn’t he,” Cust said on Bourouh. “He puts his head where others won’t. He’s been playing eighty minutes nearly every game. He’s holding that middle together, especially defensively.”
Asked if Bourouh was underrated coming to the club, Cust, who played with the player at Salford, continued: “Definitely, but he’s showing week in week out that he can do it. He plays well above his weight – he’s only a small fella and he puts big hits on. I think he’s really settled in well and it’s good to see – I’m really good mates with him.”
Cust added: “Herman (Ese’ese) has also been exceptional. You look at the start of the season and he’s scoring for fun – he’s been unreal. Aidan Sezer too has been taking control with his managing of games. He’s been there and done it at plenty of clubs – he’s got the experience. Just the way he talks, everyone listens. He’s got the backing of every player who go out there and try to do a job for them.”
Dual reg duo
Brad Fash was a surprise inclusion for Doncaster over the weekend. The Hull FC prop came off the bench as the Dons defeated London Broncos 30-12. It was their first victory over the capital club in 31 years, with Will Gardiner also starting the game at prop.
Meanwhile, Fash made his comeback from injury at Leeds earlier this month. He was left out of the victory at Leigh, but got some welcome minutes until his belt in South Yorkshire.
Long term injury return
Ryan Westerman made a long awaited return to action for the reserves on Saturday. The young Hull FC centre has been out with an ankle injury for three months, with the teenager now overcoming a long term rehab process.
He featured at Leigh on Saturday, having made an eight-goal appearance for the first team against York Acorn back in February. He made his senior debut against Catalans Dragons in the final game of last year alongside Callum Kemp.
Reserves win
And speaking of the reserves, it was a welcome 38-30 victory for the Hull FC side against Leigh. The Black and Whites led 26-10 at the break with winger Elliot Middlemas scoring two tries. Elsewhere, Callum Kemp, Will Hutchinson, and Lennon Clark crossed over, with two more scores posted in the second half.
The win was Hull’s reserves third in a row, following on from victories over Leeds and Salford. They have also beaten Castleford and Hull KR this year, losing to Bradford and Warrington.
Hull Starting XIII: Logan Moy; Elliot Middlemas, Ben Johnson, Ryan Westerman, Joe Ward; Jack Charles. Callum Kemp; Yusuf Aydin, Will Hutchinson, Cobie Wainhouse; Lennon Clark, Will Kirby; Zach Jebson
Interchange: Owen Haldenby, Lloyd Kemp, Jon Turner, Will Wilson
R.I.P Mark Jones
Former Hull FC prop Mark Jones has sadly passed away, aged 59. The Welsh dual code international made 67 appearances for the Airlie Birds between 1991 and 1994 and was a Great Britain international while at the club in 1992. He later played for Warrington Wolves, playing for the Wire in the very first season of Super League in 1996. He then returned to play Welsh rugby union with Ebbw Vale.
Attention to Perpignan
Hull FC make their second trip of the season to Perpignan this week. The side will head down to France on Friday, staying overnight before taking on Catalans Dragons on Saturday.
John Cartwright’s side were 24-4 winners over the Dragons back in February and will be looking for a similar result this week. They hold seventh spot in Super League after twelve rounds and are just one point behind Wakefield Trinity and St Helens.