Chase over for Tigers star, admits McRae

They have effectively given up hope of securing the services of the England half-back, who has been a long-time target, due to complications with the Maori’s visa issues.

Hull owner Adam Pearson had made no secret of his desire to bring in two new playmakers for 2013 with highly-rated Australian stand-off Daniel Holdsworth already on his way from Salford City Reds.

But it seems the reigning Man of Steel, for whom Hull were ready to fork out a six-figure fee, will not be following.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post after their current season was ended by a 24-12 play-off defeat at Warrington, McRae admitted: “We’re probably struggling there.

“It’s been extremely difficult without going in to too much detail and it is highly unlikely that will happen now.”

It remains to be seen whether Hull – whose need for extra creativity is acute – will bring anyone else in in that position.

“We’re still looking around but we have options already,” insisted McRae.

“Brett Seymour has still got two years on his contract and in this play-off series has played particularly well.

“He defended tremendously tonight so with him, Daniel (Holdsworth) and Aaron Heremaia playing well at seven we still have some options.”

Seymour, the much-maligned Australian who has struggled in his first season at the KC, did certainly show some steel on 
Saturday night but a half-back’s principle role is to create and control.

It now looks like he will be given an extra chance to prove he can do that also next season.

Overall, McRae has been pleased with Hull’s impact in his first term since he and head coach Peter Gentle took charge.

“We’ve had some adversity with injuries but our goal was always to improve on the eighth position and 27 points of last year,” McRae said.

“We’ve done that by getting to sixth with 32 points and getting 
to the second week of the play-offs.

“It’s small steps but Peter has managed to blood some youngsters too who have earned contract extensions and it augurs well for the future.

“The boys played their part in a hard-fought play-off match,” he said.

“Warrington just did a few little things in their game which showed why they’re a top four side.”

Wolves are benchmark for Airlie Birds – Horne

HULL FC full-back Richard Horne admits sides like Warrington Wolves are the benchmark for his team as they now look towards next season.

The former Great Britain international had no complaints following Saturday’s 24-12 play-off defeat after a ruthless display by their opponents.

Horne, 30, told the Yorkshire Post: “We’d talked at half-time about how we weren’t completing our sets.

“Warrington have been the best at it for the last couple of weeks now and were up in the 80s while our percentage was around the 50s. You can’t keep defending all that time against a team like Warrington.

“They restricted us really well, slowed us down and all credit to them. They played really well, defensively more than anything, and then cut us open a couple of times which is all that’s needed in play-off football.”

Warrington had led 24-0 before Tom Briscoe scored and then Horne laid one up for Ben Crooks late on. “We’re happy with the effort,” he added.

“That was there. If someone missed a tackle, another was there to back up and that’s what we’ve been doing for the last few weeks.

“It was a spirited effort by the lads but our energy was down having to compete against such a big, strong outfit.

“It was inevitable people like Richie Myler were going to break some tackles eventually.

“It was a good game but we have to hold our hands up and say the better team won.

“We know we didn’t really give ourselves a chance with the ball which we’ve been doing well lately.

“That is disappointing but that’s play-off rugby for you; it’s a step up.

“We’ve got some quality signings coming in next year and I’m sure they’ll add to what we’ve got while we’ve some good young players too.

“But now I just want to get away from rugby for a couple of weeks and rest up as I know pre-season won’t be far away.”