Pitts is aiming high as Hull battle against adversity

They head to Widnes Vikings in tonight’s televised game hoping to secure a victory which could keep them in touching distance of third-placed St Helens.

As they seek a fourth win in five games, the last of which was an impressive 30-10 triumph over top four rivals Catalan Dragons, Hull FC have quietly picked up some form of late.

Despite dealing with a significant injury list, a 48-10 defeat at Wigan has been their only low point.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, young back-row Pitts said: “It was good to see the boys defending like we should be (against Catalan) and attacking as well.

“We were better and can still improve but defensively it was a big up especially from Wigan.

“We’re just taking each game as it comes and if that means we finish where we are now (sixth) or we can get up into the top four or three we’re not too fussed.

“We’re more concerned with getting a run on for the play-offs.

“That’s important. We’d like to finish as high as we can to get a second chance if needed. But we’re getting into play-off football mentality now. It’s good to see.”

Realistically, bottom-placed Widnes should offer little chance of ruining that resurgent form.

They lost 58-10 at Hull in March and endured an emphatic 68-24 defeat at Leeds only last Friday.

However, all but one of their five Super League successes have come at home where they have scored an average of 30 points in each of their last five fixtures.

“They took a stinging against Leeds so they’re going to be sore and want to bounce back,” added the 22-year-old.

“We also put a big score on them here but it’s going to be interesting because Widnes are a very good attacking side.

“If they show up – and I’m sure they will – it’s going to be a tough game. We can not take them lightly and nor should we; they’re in Super League for a reason.”

Meanwhile, the former Wakefield Trinity forward has shrugged off a collar bone injury to maintain his ever-present record since joining from Leeds in April.

It was reported he had fractured it at Wigan and Pitts laughed: “It was quite surreal as I was getting text messages (after Catalan) saying ‘How‘s your broken collar bone?!’

“I absolutely feared the worst but it’s not too bad. Players will say I’m soft coming off and then playing the next week.

“But the thought of missing a game annoys me so I was glad I could get out there.

“A lot of players here are busted at the moment but it shows the character of the team as everyone has put their hand up to do it.”

Ex-Hull FC full-back Shaun Briscoe is set to return from injury for Widnes.