Destiny in our hands as Radford cranks up pressure

HULL FC head coach Lee Radford has urged his side to make the most of what could be their last stab at making the Super League top-eight play-offs.
Lee Radford, head coach of Hull FCLee Radford, head coach of Hull FC
Lee Radford, head coach of Hull FC

They hold the vital last berth heading into tomorrow’s game against Castleford Tigers and know if they win their remaining three regular rounds they will be in that elite group.

But after an inconsistent campaign so far – and with fierce rivals Hull KR level on points waiting to pounce – he knows they can ill-afford any further drop in standards.

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“Having destiny in our own hands is reassuring,” said Radford. “But we have to make sure that we do enough on Sunday to get the result.

“If we get the result that will put us in a really good position to make the eight.

“Winning last Sunday makes a huge difference. Having looked back at the game against Wakefield, we looked better than the scoreline suggested.”

The 31-24 success at KC Stadium – just four days after becoming the first side to lose to bottom club Wakefield in 17 league games – was crucial given, at one point, they were staring at a fifth successive defeat.

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But ater three games in just nine days, including a Challenge Cup quarter-final loss to Leeds Rhinos, Hull have now had the comparative luxury of a full week to prepare themselves for tomorrow’s fixture.

Radford admitted: “It gave me a chance to let them freshen up and have a couple of days off.

“Last week was very hectic but thankfully we’ve come through without suffering too much damage in terms of injuries.

“Hopefully this week they will be better for having more time to prepare for a game.”

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Meanwhile, Radford will not be afraid to continue with young centre Jack Logan against Castleford after the 19-year-old came in and scored twice last weekend.

“You would be a brave man to take Jack Logan out of the side no matter who is fit and who is raring to go,” he said.

Hull are without prop forwards Mickey Paea and Iafeta Paleaaesina because of suspension and injury respectively.

Castleford are set to recall former Leeds prop Ryan Bailey in place of the injured Nathan Massey.