Hull FC will need to dig deep over the next few weeks, with a pundit laying out the shining example.
Hull FC’s Davy LItten celebrates his try against York with Zak Hardaker.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC are going to need some fighting qualities to get out a tough situation as they resume their Super League season against St Helens on Thursday night.
The Black and Whites are dealing with a hefty injury list that has reached double figures and will also part ways with their head coach John Cartwright at the end of the season, two realities that have the potential to cripple their 2026 campaign.
They are going to need to dig deep over the next few weeks and show their grit and spirit to avoid that reality from unfolding, with games against Castleford Tigers, Toulouse Olympique, and Bradford Bulls also to come, and will call on their senior players to help them do just that.
For Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin, that example comes from no better avenue than Zak Hardaker, with the veteran building his career off his ability to knuckle down and compete no matter what.
Speaking on Hardaker, Wilkin believes his success is down to no secret recipe, with the 34-year-old building his game on the ‘simple things that matter’. The pundit has also compared the 34-year-old, who has featured in the centre, wing, back row, half-back, and full-back positions over the last year, to a former Australian Test star.
“I love him – his performance last week (against Catalans) I thought was exceptional,” Wilkin said. “It’s a real timely lesson for people, actually, about the simple things that matter.
“He competes hard on every play; he’s a great athlete, he’s in good nick, he’s a big body, and he’s adaptable. He reminds me of Josh Dugan, who played for the Kangaroos and St George, who could play any position in the back line and come up with the goods, and now he’s become John Cartwright’s man in that regard, hasn’t he?
“He’s been so valuable. You just know what you’re going to get from Zak Hardaker. I’ve loved the last four or five years of his career.”
Hull recently exercised a club option to keep Hardaker at the club for the 2027 season. On his versatility, Sam Tomkins, also speaking on Sky Sports, added: “He’s a natural rugby league player. He can play in the centres; he can play in the middle if he had to; he can play in the halves and be equally effective across all of those.”