Andy Last has tightened Hull FC up, says Manu Ma’u

HULL FC are going forward under interim-coach Andy Last, their Tongan forward Manu Ma’u says.
Hull FC's Manu Ma'u in training after the Coronavirus Covid-19 layoff (Picture: SWPix.com)Hull FC's Manu Ma'u in training after the Coronavirus Covid-19 layoff (Picture: SWPix.com)
Hull FC's Manu Ma'u in training after the Coronavirus Covid-19 layoff (Picture: SWPix.com)

Ma’u joined Hull from Australian club Parramatta Eels last autumn and played only three times for his new club before coach Lee Radford was sacked, in March, following a devastating 38-4 home loss to Warrington Wolves.

Sunday’s Super League return, against Salford Red Devils at Headingley, will be Last’s first game since stepping up from his previous role as assistant-coach and Ma’u has, in the three weeks since Hull resumed training following coronavirus, seen positive signs.

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“It was strange,” said the 31-year-old second-rower of being signed by Radford only for him to lose his job so early in the season.

Hull FC's interim coach Andy Last (Picture: SWPix.com)Hull FC's interim coach Andy Last (Picture: SWPix.com)
Hull FC's interim coach Andy Last (Picture: SWPix.com)

“But we have got Lasty now and I think we can move in the right direction with him. All the boys support him 100 per cent.”

Ma’u added: “I think Lasty is in control now. A lot of things were loose around here, in regards of professionalism; I don’t think it was his [Radford’s fault], the players were just loose.

“I think having that break and Lasty stepping in, everyone has had to step up their game and be more accountable to each other. I think that’s the big thing he has brought to the players, more accountability.”

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Ma’u has recovered from a knee injury which kept him out of Radford’s final game and insists he is keen to make up for lost time.

He said: “I think the break came at the right time for me, with my injuries and all the international footy I played at the back end of last season. I didn’t get much of a rest before I came over, but it has been a long time and I am keen to get back on the field and show what I am capable of.”

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