Hull FC's Joe Cator aiming to prove he's no fluke

Hull FC's Joe Cator is out to prove he's no "one game fluke" and he can be the club's loose forward for years to come.
Hull FC's Joe Cator in his man-of-the-match performance against Huddersfield Giants. (SWPIX)Hull FC's Joe Cator in his man-of-the-match performance against Huddersfield Giants. (SWPIX)
Hull FC's Joe Cator in his man-of-the-match performance against Huddersfield Giants. (SWPIX)

The energetic player earned rave reviews for his tireless performance when getting a chance in the 31-12 win over Huddersfield Giants.

Interim head coach Andy Last started with the 22 year-old as he looked to bring some extra mobility to his pack and it worked wonders.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The impressive Cator - who started his career at rivals Hull KR but joined in the off-season following a successful Championship campaign with Leigh Centurions - got through plenty of high-quality work with his defensive appetite, carries and support play.

However, he picked up a one-game ban that ruled him out of last week's heavy loss against Warrington Wolves.

He returns tonight when the Black and Whites face Wakefield Trinity and Cator said: "It was frustrating as as a player all you want to do is a have a good run of games and get some sort of rhythm.

"This season has probably been the opposite of that hasn't it? I got injured at the start of it, played one game, got injured again and then we went into lockdown.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We came out of that, played and got banned for a game. Hopefully this can be the start of some fluent rugby.

"I've just got to get this run of games going. I'm not getting carried away with msyelf and have to work as hard as possible which is what I'm doing.

"But I need to prove I can do it week on week and I'm not just a one game fluke. This is my opportunity to prove I can do that for the boys."

Cator is set to replace NRL capture Ligi Sao who, ironically, serves his own one-game ban.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Legendary veteran Gareth Ellis has also been used in the loose forward role but Last has said how he sees the game reverting back to using more agile, creative, ball-handling No13s, something that will suit Cator.

"I think the faster game does suit me and especially with the rule change as well," he said, St Helens' Morgan Knowles someone else who is clearly benefiting.

"I was licking my lips as soon as I read on Twitter that Super League was bringing in six-again as it means I can really target the bigger middles.

"It's my strength to be able to out-enthuse them and my energy is massive in the middle compared to some so it's worked massively in my favour."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The former England Academy international will be up against a former Hull favourite Joe Westerman tonight.

Westerman, 30, earned an England cap in 2014 during his first spell at the Black and Whites and is a more traditional creative No13.

Cator said: "We played them at the start of the season and I've watched a few games.

"He's definitely a good ball-handling loose. He played a few games at half-back when he first played for us as well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He can also carry as well so it's going to be good competition but I've got to make sure I out-enthuse him and be more energetic around the ruck and hopefully get the wins with some fast play-the-balls.

"We need a good win and a good performance to then kick on to our Challenge Cup game against Castleford on Sunday. We want some momentum.

"Since doing the Challenge Cup back-to-back (in 2016/17), it's something the boys are really keeping their eyes on.

"Some of those who are still here, especially Mahe (Fonua) and others who played in those games, have had a taste of it and I'd love to experience it, too."

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.