Newcomers are praised for helping to spark 
Hull revival

They venture to Salford Red Devils tomorrow night hoping for a second win in three Super League games after success at Huddersfield and a single point defeat to Warrington Wolves.

Performances have shown a vast improvement on last term and Radford said: “We need to carry on playing with the energy that we have done – and for the duration we have done, too.

“We’ve played for 80 minutes in both games and I am convinced if the Warrington game had gone on a little longer we’d have got them, too.

“I think the quality of players we’ve added has helped with that; it’s what’s between the ears.

“Last year we had a lot of young players like Jacob Miller, Jordan Rankin and Jamie Shaul and you only have to look at our spine at the moment and that really helps.”

Experienced half-backs Leon Pryce and Marc Sneyd have settled in quickly as has veteran Australian second-row Mark Minichiello.

They almost defeated Warrington without influential captain Gareth Ellis as well, the ex-England second-row who remains doubtful for tomorrow’s fixture along with a raft of other senior players.

“It is difficult for Gaz as, because of where the (rib) injury is, it is tricky to give him an injection,” explained Radford.

“With a rib injury you usually get them jabbed up, but because of how high it is, it is a difficult one for us.

“We are in the same position we were with injuries and the game may come a bit soon for one or two of them, but we’ll see.

“If they are not fit and good to go, so be it because we’ve got options and players to come in.

“Before the Warrington game, we said we would have to rely on the squad and nothing has changed.

“We have a four-day turn-around after Salford (for Leeds next Thursday) which will test the squad so we will have to be heavily reliant on that.”

Radford hopes his players will be further bolstered after an extended break due to the World Club Series.

“When we’ve trained we’ve been good,” he said.

“The boys have had some time off and we’ve let them recharge their batteries again.

“Hopefully, we will see an energised Hull FC on Saturday.”