We can only wait and see if it's good enough. When we were on their line, we looked like we could score, and when we did, it looked easy. Problem was the amount of time we didn't have the ball. Seymour's short kicking was dangerous. With time him and Holdsworth have a few things to art out but I'm confident they can improve.

Not seen a lot of McDonnell so I was only going from what I've heard. He looked good in attack, which is what we need, sorts out his kick receiving then I'll be happy. I'm sure it's something PG will be looking at.

Can't read this anymore without adding my take. Heard some utter bilge since yesterday. Crooks Arundel have played 1n half 'friendly' games together ever. Also neither has played much at all in a 12month period. Also Ellis is new inside them as well so a new right edge. So this may explain a few questions in both attack n defence. None of the above is weak 1 on 1. Just rusty to each other's game.
Without Manu this without Manu that. Until the last 2 season's Manu was always inconsistent, between games and also within them.! Yet some are having digs at Ellis after 1n a half 'friendly' games for not being Manu! If some have set him as some super human that will run the length of the field each carry and hospitalise attackers who dare to run at him they need to get real! Ellis is a better line runner, better offloader, gets a faster play of the ball n a better defender than Manu. Will benefit the team more than Manu but won't be as exciting on the eye.
Fullback~will worry at times but will excite going forwards and score plenty. Modern day full back. Billy Slaters are rare. Look around, Eden very similar to Shannon, Tompkins is ropey at times but anybody would take him.
Never cease to be amazed at what people think they can see in friendly games and blow out of all proportion!
Some people need to brighten up. Me, I've more optimism than for a long time, I'll worry if things haven't improved by Easter ish time at not before. Gonna take a little while to hit our peak with so many new faces in key positions. Not after 1 and a half pre season games!

I hope you are right, as has been said, it was only a friendly and a fortnight before anything meaningful (well, just short of a fortnight). I'll be more than happy to be posting my apologies and holding my hand up if Holdsworth proves me wrong.

We really have not got 4 h/back combinations, we have Holdswoth & Seymour with Horney as back up & that is it...Hookers covering h/back is not an option as the last few seasons have proved.

You're setting yourself up for severe criticism if you come on here talking sense. I agree with everything you said.

We have the options. They're just not necessarily all good ones.



More seriously, you have to admit that our alternate h/b options in case of injury are way better than they have been in past seasons.

I disagree I think the situation is just as bad, from what I have seen so far we really do lack playmakers, so far Seymour is the only one who has shown us some glimpses, the only time we really threatened their line was when Seymour was on, otherwise we looked pretty clueless imho.

First choice is still an issue, which is why we were trying to get a new 7 for this season. My point was more that our second-string options are not as far behind our first choice as they were when Washy was getting games in the halves.

We have to hope that Seymour steps up from last season and Holdsworth improves, otherwise I agree that we're in for another season where we don't create enough.

Fair point that, I think if given time together Seymour & Holdsworth could prove to be a handy combination although I think the dryer pitches will suit their games so just a case of bedding in through the next couple of months & doing the best we can.

Didn't go yesterday but have spoken to some who did. Hard to compare half backs between halves yesterday as in the first half Hull had so little possession but more in the second. That said I'm pleased Seymour had a decent run and he and Holdsworth will likely be the starters against Leeds. What we need from our halves is for them to play at the opposition line and not miles in front of it which has been a massive problem with Hull halves for a few years. The exception in recent times was Sean Long who didn't mind taking a shot in return for being a ball player at the line but unfortunately didn't play much.

Listening to RH yesterday between the pointless reading out of inane tweets I was most disappointed with the way our forwards seemed to be beaten in the early exchanges for speed, strength and enthusiasm. That needs to change first before we worry about who plays in the halves or whether the fullback is any good. That said I always chuckle when I read about "Modern day fullbacks". Top fullbacks have always been able to catch, tackle, run and link up/pass whatever era they've played in - modern or prehistoric.

Certainly agree about our halves taking on the line. They’ve got to want it and dominate proceedings, not stand 10/15 yards back waiting for the hooker to create them some space. The best halve around want the ball every tackle, ours seem to be happy to go thru the motions imo.

2nd receiver, short dart, drop off ball inside...that what you mean?

Not bothered that we lost or surprised. No big issues with the way we played
i think we found the best partnership in the halves with Seymour and holdsworth
and tried some different plays. i would like to see them have a 1st team out against York though for the full 80 and get used to each other because they cant train in this weather and it will get them jelling more for Leeds. people posting with their negativity please take it elsewhere it was a friendly against kr who treat it like there cup final that's why they have injuries and we don't. we should learn by now that the season doesn't revolve round the derby its about hull fc and what we do in the league and cup not what they do.

Just the overall lack of enthusiasm for the task in hand tbh. Watch Dobson (I know some won’t like this) he wants possession every time, he’s nonstop always buzzing always probing the line looking for a weakness. He isn’t a world beater by any means but he’s a good scrum half who cause’s problems for teams because he takes them on. I'm not writing our's off but if we want to challlenge we need to be more dynamic in the halves, just standing back passing and kicking will not trouble the better teams.

I agree , He was the best player on the field yesterday.

to many on here quick to write hull off before the season starts,i still think we can finnish in top5, i see what your saying smiggs but the bottom line is it was a friendly, i will reserve judgement till after we have played 6 or 7 games think then we will have a better idea

Yep, by some distance, I thought Dobson looked far better than Chase did the week before.

are you actually reading the thread?

nobody has written Hull off, people are just asking questions and discussing the overall performance as far as I can see.....?

I think dryer better conditions would suit any halfback in SL.

We haven't got 4 combinations, but we do have 4 options. Heremaia is a hooker who is seen as an option to play 7 if needs be.

It could be that they were told not to take the line on.
It can lead to unnecessary injuries, for a friendly in bad conditions, and when we are still in the experimenting stage.

I think Gentle said that he was a bit reluctant to play his first team against York, as it would only leave a short turn around before that Leads game

Not seen either game. Just wondered if Seymour and Holdsworth have actually played together at all as everyone seems to be picking them to start at Leeds?

And just because their coach has a name that sounds a bit rude doesn't make him bad.

The York game I think Gentle will play the youngsters