Hull FC may be stuck in the midst of an 11-game losing streak, but for interim coach Simon Grix, there is progress to see.
Taking charge for the last six games, Grix believes there is improvement in the Black and Whites, who now look like a ‘Super League’ team again. And while the victory Hull desperately craves has alluded them so far, the 38-year-old is taking some comfort in the competitiveness shown in recent weeks.
Ultimately, it’s still not good enough, and there is a case to be made that Hull could, and perhaps should, have beaten the likes of London Broncos, Castleford Tigers, and Huddersfield Giants in recent weeks. However, what’s done is done, and the test now is to go one step further and taste that win, with Leeds Rhinos, who edged past Hull at the end of April, awaiting Grix’s side at the MKM Stadium this Saturday afternoon.
Grix stated prior to the match: “It will be excellent to be back at home, to start in a good manner, and to put up a strong performance. The last time we played in Leeds, I felt like we were really close. If we exclude the London match, I contend that our current squad is superior to the one from that season.
“We’ve had more personnel coming and going, and we kind of looked like a Super League team at Huddersfield in our last game.” We’ve put in some good effort over the past two weeks; ideally, we won’t regress and will instead make the necessary improvements and raise our game.
Hull will play Leeds, a team that has had a roller coaster of a season. With fluctuating results, Rohan Smith is under pressure to lead the Rhinos to a play-off finish. While a portion of the Loiners fans has turned against the Australian coach, Grix, who will face his older brother Scott, Smith’s assistant, understands that Hull must prioritize their own performance.
“There’s a threat with Leeds,” Grix said. “A lot is happening there in the background. Not to mention Rob Burrow and the feelings associated with that mythology. It’s significant for both parties.They’re going through a transition, but we must make sure we support them. Knowing what’s
“Leeds has expectations, of course, and they haven’t been receiving the outcomes they’d like. We’re not going to worry too much about them, but maybe their confidence is shaken as ours has been. If we can rally the crowd and get off to a strong start, we can mentally hurt them. Our focus is on making sure we do things correctly.
Regarding confronting his brother, Grix remarked, “It’s just work.” We talk to each other, though not as much this week because both of our clubs are in difficult situations. It’s been helpful to bounce ideas off each other there because there’s a lot going on in the world.
Before the game, Hull and Leeds will pay tribute to the late Rob Burrow, who passed away earlier this month after a courageous battle with motor neurone disease. Grix, meanwhile, wants to put on a fitting occasion to remember him by.
“I had the pleasure of playing against him on numerous occasions,” Grix added. “I didn’t know him away from the game, but he was obviously a brave player and a brave man.
“Leeds has expectations, of course, and they haven’t been receiving the outcomes they’d like. We’re not going to worry too much about them, but maybe their confidence is shaken as ours has been. If we can rally the crowd and get off to a strong start, we can mentally hurt them. Our focus is on making sure we do things correctly.
Regarding confronting his brother, Grix remarked, “It’s just work.” We talk to each other, though not as much this week because both of our clubs are in difficult situations. It’s been helpful to bounce ideas off each other there because there’s a lot going on in the world.
Hull and Leeds will honor the late Rob Burrow before the game. Burrow fought valiantly against motor neurone illness until his death earlier this month. Grix, on the other hand, wishes to organize a suitable event to honor him.
“I had the pleasure of playing against him on numerous occasions,” said Grix. Although I didn’t know him outside of the game, he was undoubtedly a brave man and a brave player.
Leave a Reply