Lee Radford admits Hull FC are ‘desperate’ for win at Wakefield Trinity

It should never be the case so early in the season but, under the circumstances, you can begin to understand his point.

The Black and Whites started so impressively against Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR and it was easy to see why they had been rated potential title challengers.

With big-name recruits like Manu Ma’u, Mahe Fonu and Josh Jones, it looked like the investment was instantly reaping rewards. However, a narrow defeat at Wigan followed by wretched home losses against St Helens and Catalans Dragons has left the East Yorkshire club in danger of facing four straight defeats.

Asked if he is feeling the pressure ahead of tonight’s game at Wakefield Trinity, Radford admitted: “There’s always pressure.

“When you lose a game there’s pressure. When you lose three there’s more pressure.

“It’s the territory; when you lose a game it’s something you become used to. We should have won that game last weekend, that is as simple as it is. We have to do everything we can to get this one.

“We’re desperate. We’re desperate for a result.

“We want to get a result and get heading in the right direction which is upwards for us.”

Hull, of course, somehow saw an 18- point lead disappear in the final quarter against Catalans on Sunday.

Radford plans to give former Hull KR utility forward Joe Cator a debut - “he brings that energy, enthusiasm, juice in the middle we’ve lacked” - after the 21-year impressed on dual-registration at Bradford Bulls last weekend.

And the coach has been able to have some light-hearted banter with opposition coach Chris Chester about Belle Vue.

“Chezza keeps sending me pictures of cows because I’ve said the pitch is a cow pat,” he said.

“But it genuinely is. I read Gareth Widdop’s comments a few weeks ago saying he hasn’t played on a field like it since under eights in Halifax. It’s old school.

“I’m looking forward, though, to seeing how much fire we have got in our bellies.”

Hull KR winger Ben Crooks has been told he does not initially need surgery on his neck after being injured against Castleford.

That position will be reviewed in two weeks but, if it remains the same, Crooks could be back playing in two months. If surgery is needed, he will be out of action for up to six months.