Hull FC’s Herman Ese’ese is tackled by Wigan’s Kaide Ellis.
Andy Last has praised ‘sensational’ Hull FC prop Harvie Hill after his display against former club Wigan Warriors.
The front row forward, still only 22, had the ‘bit between his teeth’ according to his head coach, and that helped him run out with some venom and physicality in what was a vastly improved performance from the Hull pack.
Starting Hill alongside Herman Ese’ese, Last was happy with the prop duo, and the pack as a whole, after criticising his side’s lack of intent against Wakefield Trinity last week.
However, the challenge now for Last is to maintain that level, with Hull next going up against Hull KR in the Magic Weekend and needing another performance based on the same minerals to get the job done.
“A special mention to Harvie Hill; I thought he was sensational,” Last said post-match. “He played with a real intent and a real bit between his teeth. He wanted to have a strong game against his former club and I thought he did that.
“To play the full second half as he did and to keep turning up as he did, he ticked a lot of boxes for me. He knows how to suffer as a player and I thought he was sensational for us.
“Herman Ese’ese also played a lot more minutes and he’ll be better for that gametime. Jed Cartwright got a lot more minutes. He got through the full second half after going on in the first half which is great for him.
“We’ve just got to manage Jed long-term. He’s had some issues with his back and his hamstring. We made the decision to start him on the bench. He had two warm ups and we kept him active. The issue we’ve got with Jed if he cools down, he can start to stiffen up so we’ve just made a point with the medical staff to keep him active and fingers crossed it’s worked well and he’s had no adverse effects.
Last also praised Amir Bourouh. The hooker has been challenged to run in recent weeks, with his ruck scoots noticeable once again against Wigan.
“Amir is in a good bit of form,” Last said. “He’s also got the bit between his teeth. He’s very combative. He’s simplified his game a little bit.
“He’s running for metres. He’s not being indecisive. When we get a quick play of the ball, he’s getting out there and getting the ten. He’s been effective for us. He’s strong. And he’s able to win some penalties for us given how strong and dynamic he is.”
But once again, the challenge for Last is about backing it up next week, with Hull now set for a recovery period before building into the derby game.
“We’ve got some guys carrying some long-term knocks which we’re having to manage,” Last said. “It’s going to be another tough game now next week against Rovers at the Magic Weekend. We’ll recover and look at it on review and we’ll be looking to put our best foot forward next week.”