Connor making giant steps as Hull continue to impress

Th 22-year-old delivered an all-encompassing display as they vanquished Warrington Wolves 34-10 on Friday night.

Preferred at right centre instead of Josh Griffin for a third game running, Connor scored one try and created another two with his finest showing yet since joining from Huddersfield Giants over the winter.

He should retain his place for Sunday’s trip to Widnes Vikings as Hull – who went top for 24 hours – seek to keep the pressure on leaders Castleford Tigers.

“I am finding a bit of form and a bit of consistency,” Connor told The Yorkshire Post, having made four of his opening eight appearances from the bench before starting the last three.

“You can’t afford to have a bad game in this team because there are quality players like Josh Griffin who are doing their best to get back in.

“I know it’s early on in the season and I still need to keep my level up.

“It was definitely my best display of the year so far but there’s more to come.”

Widnes have endured a miserable start to Super League and lost again yesterday falling 30-10 at Salford Red Devils, a ninth defeat from 12 games this season.

Connor continued: “We are expecting a tough Widnes side and we know they are bottom of the league but we won’t be taking them lightly.

“When the effort is there and you are playing with your tails up, it doesn’t matter who is on the field.”

Hull defeated leaders Castleford with 12-men before seeing off Warrington who finished top last season.

Lee Radford’s side were missing a raft of regulars including Man of Steel Danny Houghton, captain Gareth Ellis and banned prop Liam Watts – who should all return at Widnes – but delivered arguably their best display of the season.

“Against Warrington we showed that grit and determination we brought at the start of the season and when we have that, not much can go wrong,” added Connor.

“We had the effort and then the skill came off the back of that.”

He produced plenty of moments of class as did his winger Mahe Fonua, who was unplayable at times with his thunderous carries.

However, Marc Sneyd’s kicking was again sublime as he continued to challenge the likes of Huddersfield’s Danny Brough as the competition’s greatest tactical kicker.

Connor added: “I’ve played with Broughy and Sneydy and they are both very similar.

“Both of them are left-footers and can strike it really well, and they know when to kick which is the important thing.

“They always seem to find the grass and they can put the ball where you want it as well; Sneyd’s kick for my try on Friday night was exactly where it needed to be.

“It’s good to have kickers like that who keep the opposing side on the back foot.”