Hull FC hat-trick hero Harvey Barron backed to score more after St Helens are downed

Barron scored the first of Hull’s six tries and then added two more either side of half-time as his team went from 14-10 down to lead 26-10.

Lewis Martin, Cade Cust and former St Helens’ favourite James Bell also touched down, with Zak Hardaker booting four goals.

“He has had an up and down season,” said interim boss Last of right winger Barron.

“But he carried the ball strongly out of backfield and he got his rewards. It should give him a lot of confidence.

“Harvey has huge potential and played exceptionally well for us last year. He hasn’t quite hit that top level this season just yet.

“But he is a good kid and wants to improve. So it’s great for him. Physically, he’s very strong. He has matured and gone from a boy to a man. And he could have scored other tries had he backed himself.”

Hull’s deserved win was their first in eight attempts although they stay 13th, four points clear of bottom of the table Huddersfield.

“The lads got their rewards for the hard work they have been putting in,” added Last.

“I spoke previously about how close we have been getting in matches and not getting the rewards with a win.

“There are still some things we need to tidy up. But the big thing for me was some of our senior players stood up and put in their best performances for a number of weeks.”

Saints have always made the end of season play-offs but that record is now under serious threat after an eighth defeat in 12 games.

“The last thing I want us to do is roll over and give in,” said Eamon O’Caroll, still looking for his first win as interim coach after taking over from Paul Rowley.

“It is going to be difficult to achieve but it is not unachievable. There is no hiding from it.

“It is important we reference it. We cannot shy away from it. We don’t want to be the first team not to make the play-offs.

“Who knows what can happen? Hopefully, there are a few bodies coming back.”