Hull FC's Naughton revels in outwitting old friend Lineham

His arrival in the Airlie Birds’ side has coincided with their three-match winning run during which he has also scored three tries.

Furthermore, Naughton also recently signed a new two-year deal with the East Yorkshire club and the last of his three tries was the late winner during Easter Monday’s 26-24 success against previously unbeaten Super League leaders Warrington Wolves.

That he, in doing so, outwitted Warrington’s Tom Lineham – the fellow winger who became his good friend at Hull last season – only added to the perfect scenario.

Naughton crossed in his first game of the season, the 22-4 victory over Wakefield that ended a three-game losing streak, and he then played his part in the epic derby win at Hull KR before scoring twice against Warrington.

Amusingly, the 21-year-old, who started out at Bradford Bulls but arrived at KC Stadium last term via a season with Sydney Roosters, was constantly in the ear of Lineham, who also scored twice, on Monday as the pair traded jibes.

“Me and Tommy are good mates and it’s all just good banter,” he insisted.

“I knew he was going to come for me all game, though – he has about 20kg on me – but I thought I stepped up and helped stop him scoring a couple more.

“It was definitely nice to get one over on him. Hopefully we can kick on for Saints on Friday now.”

The likes of Mahe Fonua, Hull’s giant signing from Melbourne Storm, and Fetuli Talanoa should be fit for that game as FC seek a fourth successive victory.

However, it would be harsh on Naughton if he is not retained in Lee Radford’s starting line-up.