The teenager reflects on his Super League debut, his big play at the end, and what comes next.
Hull FC’s plan wasn’t to play their teenage Super League debutant Lloyd Kemp for around an hour of action – but sometimes things don’t work out how you plan, and you have to adapt.
Up against Leigh Leopards on Saturday evening, Kemp did just that. He adapted and he got his reward – getting his first taste of the big time and his own moment at the end, diffusing the ball into the south stand after a frantic last roll of the dice from the Leythers following the full-time hooter.
For Kemp, his second first-team appearance after February’s club debut in the Challenge Cup capped the highlight of his career so far – one expected for big things.
A highly rated young player, Kemp, twin brother of Callum Kemp, is tipped to make his mark – but there’s no immediate pressure. Like many of Hull’s rising youth components, he has time on his side, time to nurture and grow.
But after sixty minutes of action, there’s no doubting his bravery, his positional awareness, and his willingness to get involved on both sides of the ball. This is yet another young talent who doesn’t die wandering – and at Hull, the sky is his limit.
Speaking on the final play and Hull’s winning moment, Kemp said post-match: “It felt like forever. It felt like there was another pass coming; it just kept going, but as soon as I got that ball in my hands, I knew we had got the win. It was a good feeling.
And on his debut, Kemp continued: “I think it makes it better getting the win at home, but just that feeling and being able to make your Super League debut for your boyhood club, it was unreal.
“I think I went fairly well. I just tried to make an impact as soon as I got on and throw my body around – get a carry or an early involvement. I didn’t think too much about it; I just trusted my instinct and my gut and just got on with the job. It was good. I got more confidence from that – I’m happy with how I went and I’m happy to get the win and keep pushing on for the top six.”
Entering the field in the first half, Kemp came on for Will Pryce, who limped off with a foot injury. But what’s next for the teenager?
“I just need to keep going as I am,” he explained. “I’ve been getting consistent game time with the academy and the reserves. That’s the most important thing – getting consistent game time and pushing on.”
There’s also a desire to play alongside his twin brother in the future – something the duo have done for the club’s scholarship, academy, and reserve sides – but again, they know it’s a game of patience.
“Callum got his chance last year and I got mine here,” Kemp added. “They were all really proud – we’ve been Hull FC fans all of our lives, and it makes it all the more important to do it for Hull.
“But we’re both just being patient with it, taking it in our stride, and pushing on. Hopefully (we get to play together one day), but at the moment it’s about keeping pushing on with the games we’re getting.
“It would be nice in the future for Callum and the family, but we know we’ve got to be patient. That’s the most important thing – don’t try and force it and just let it happen. That’s what we’ve got to keep doing: being patient and biding our time.”