“Why not?” The simple response from Hull FC winger Lewis Martin when asked if he‘s found his long-term centre partner in Davy Litten.
The duo have started the last eight games together, forming a dynamic partnership on Hull’s left edge. And while young and with plenty of experience still to gain, it’s a bond Martin, who has 16 tries in 16 appearances so far this year, can only see growing.
Speaking to Hull Live, the 20-year-old flyer said: “We’ve both shown we can play week in, week out for this club. We’ve played eight games in a row now, so why can’t it be us two on the left edge for the years to come?
“It’s exciting. We’ve just got to keep going as a pair and a combination, and hopefully we keep getting some good results.”
And while Martin has been ever present this year, Litten has started the last nine since recovering from an MCL injury. In that time, he’s scored three tries, swapping the right edge for the left after returning to the side at Castleford Tigers – Friday’s opposition – two months ago.
“We get on really well, and we’re really good mates,” Martin continued. “We’re building a really good combination on the field, and we’re starting to understand each other’s games a little bit more.
“We’ve been getting the best out of each other recently, and it’s showing on the pitch. I love playing with Davy – he chases everything, he’s got really good chat and he’s got really good energy. He’s really good to play with.”
Both players graduated from Hull’s academy and are now thriving in the first team. It’s a testament to the direction the club wants to go in, who, in the midst of a big recruitment cycle, hold the desire to bring through and nurture their own.
For Martin, that backing gives him real confidence. He explained: “It’s just exciting. Us young boys have come in among a good group of older lads. They look after us on the pitch, but I also think us young boys have taken really good ownership of going out on the pitch and showing what we can do.
“We all know that we still have a lot to improve on, but this year we have come on massively. We are quite a young squad, and we have done well so far, but we’ve just got to keep going.
“When the chances come, we’ve got to keep on taking them – I think that’s the biggest thing for a young lad. You’ve got to take your chance and show what you can do. We’re all getting a nice run of games, and hopefully that continues.”
The likes of John Asiata, Aidan Sezer, and Zak Hardaker have come into the team and raised standards throughout the whole club this year, something that is also helping young talent develop, with a mentoring role from all helping Hull turn ambitions into realities.
“It helps massively when you’ve got a full team that’s bought into how we want to play,” Martin acknowledged. “Everyone knows their roles, and everyone has bought into that. When we go on the field, we then all do it – that’s shown a lot this year, and it’s just great to be a part of.”
That connection has stemmed from the team across the whole club this year. It’s felt by the club’s supporters, who have travelled all over Super League this year from Wigan, Warrington, Newcastle, and Perpignan.
But after a period on the road, it’s home comforts Hull are looking for, with Castleford heading to the MKM Stadium on Friday and Hull looking for a first home win this year after an impressive 34-0 victory at Catalans last time out.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Martin added. “Hopefully we’ll get a big crowd. It’ll be good to get back home, and we’ll be going all out to get a win.
“The support has been unreal. We’ve been getting to those away games and defending our try line, and all you can hear is those fans cheering you on.
“Catalans was unreal. We got off the bus, and we got mobbed by fans. It was class. I do think we have the best fans in the league. They’ve travelled in big numbers, and they lead the way. They’re really good to have behind us. They certainly help. We’ll certainly give it all to try and get another win.”