Andy Last feels inconsistent Jake Connor can become a "leader" in Hull FC side

The Black and Whites have been rocked by news that prolific half-back Marc Sneyd could miss up to two months of action due to a knee injury suffered in Sunday’s win over Huddersfield Giants.

However, few clubs have their depth of talent in that department given Great Britain star Connor can come straight into the side to partner Albert Kelly.

Connor is rated one of the most naturally talented players in Super League but has spent most of his career at centre rather than in his preferred position of stand-off.

When he has had the opportunity to grasp it before, he has not always taken it and making the most of the 25-year-old’s gifts has not been a simple task for those in charge.

Indeed, Last named him on the bench for his first game in charge against Salford Red Devils and he wasn’t involved at the weekend.

Clearly, Connor now has an opportunity to nail down his favoured spot with double Lance Todd Trophy winner Sneyd facing such a long spell out.

He comes into the side for tomorrow’s game against Warrington Wolves and, asked what he needs to do to fulfil his potential, Last said: “The big thing with Jake is he doesn’t have to overplay his hand.

“What he needs to do is get his balance right between trying to create and trying to score points.

“And be that offensive spark which he is but make sure he does it in equal measure with just doing the basics of the game well in that position which is moving the team around the park, kicking the ball well and game-managing.

“I think it’s a really big opportunity for him to assume a bit of a leadership role within the team because obviously you’ve got such an influential player missing in Sneyd.

“Jake probably plays that game management role a little bit better than Albert (Kelly) does.

“He’s been tasked with being the controller and the game organiser and I’m looking forward to him playing that role against Warrington.”

On Sneyd’s absence, Last added: “It is a big blow.

“Marc is our organising, game-controlling half-back and has been a big part of the success of our team for a number of years now.

“It enables another player to play in that position and obviously Jake is keen to get an opportunity of a consistent run in the half-back position and it looks like he’s going to get that opportunity to do so.”

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James Mitchinson