'It's a lot for them': Simon Grix expresses sympathy for Hull FC youngsters after heavy loss

"There are a lot of young blokes out there that are experiencing some of this for the first time this year and it's a lot for them," said interim boss Grix.

"We've got a lot of young players. I don't like saying it too much but I don't know what else to tell you.

"There are a lot of young blokes out on that field and it's not only the inexperience of playing the game at this level, it's a lot different physically from playing reserves.

"You don't catch up overnight - it takes a bit of time. They didn't throw the towel in and kept turning up but again, it was just too much for them."

Leigh were playing their third game in 10 days but had too much quality for a Hull team missing 14 players.

The Black and Whites had only tries from Logan Moy and Harvey Barron to show for their efforts on a baking hot afternoon in Greater Manchester.

"That was tough," said Grix.

"Credit goes to Leigh. It was a difficult thing for them. It's like that Easter period all over again but their attitude was good and physically they outdid us.

"We just didn't have an answer once they went up a gear. Once we lost one, we couldn't get our sets back and it was a bit of a struggle for us.

"There are positives - there are in every game - but it's tough for them at the moment."