The likes of Herman Ese’ese and John Asiata have been earning Hull FC’s plaudits this year, but in the eyes of Aidan Sezer – another player notably in form – there’s one star going under the radar: Amir Bourouh.
The hooker was one of several new recruits made before the season kick-off, and he hasn’t looked back. Absent just once through HIA protocols, the Halifax native has been in the thick of the action.
Putting his body on the line, Bourouh’s effort levels haven’t gone unnoticed in Sezer’s eyes, with the ‘awesome’ dummy-half putting in the sort of huge defensive and big-minute displays that earn him the respect of his teammates.
Speaking ahead of Hull’s clash at Leeds Rhinos on Friday night, Sezer said: “Amir has been one of our best performers this year. He probably doesn’t get the accolades he deserves, but when you’re standing next to him, you see how hard he works for the team and his teammates and the efforts he puts in every week.
“He’s been awesome for us. He’s one of those blokes you want to play alongside. I think he’s been one of our best players.”
Two dynamics of Hull’s spine, Sezer also commented on Cade Cust and Will Pryce when speaking to the media, with the quartet, along with John Carwtright, looking to get the best out of each other.
“Custy has been good – we really complement each other with how we are as people,” Sezer explained. “He’s a really exciting player, whereas I’m more laid back and composed being that older head, but he’s been great for us; he’s a real team player, and he’s been playing well.”
And on Pryce, the Hull half-back believes there’s a talent to truly unearth, with unlocking the 22-year-old’s potential now key.
“He’s got a lot of experience for a young kid, and he’s been around the game for a long time,” Sezer added. “He understands the game, and he’s a great personality to have at our club. He’s got loads of potential, and it’s about us doing the best we can as a team to get him towards his best footy.
“He’s got loads of talent – we can see what he can do – he’s also very early on in his career, and it’s about us nurturing him and him finding his way in his career and him becoming the player we all believe and know he can become.”