What next for Hull FC after they fall short in Super League again

It has been the same end-of-campaign review for some time.

Thursday’s Super League semi-final exit was another reminder of how far the Black and Whites, for all their hints at something special, still lack that killer instinct ingrained in sides such as victors Wigan Warriors.

It is easy to forget that the 29-2 defeat was a third such semi-final in five years; Hull are always in the mix but never able to follow through.

Just as Wigan defeated them in 2016 and Leeds Rhinos 12 months later, some vital ingredients were missing on Thursday.

That said, they still need to be given credit; a four-game winning run saw them arrive in excellent shape, hardened by a fine play-off win at Warrington Wolves.

However, Warrington’s weak underbelly in such positions is well-known. Wigan? They are a different beast as attendance at a record-equalling 11th Grand Final on Friday underlines.

“Wigan are a benchmark club,” said Hull’s interim head coach Andy Last about the five-times Super League champions.

“They’ve played this type of rugby year on year and have some very good players with great experience.

“They were fresh (after earning a week off by finishing top) and I thought you saw some of that during the course of the game.

“It was a glorious opportunity for us and that’s what’s so disappointing.

“Jake Connor has just said it’s eight years since he’s been in a semi-final from a Super League point of view.

“Danny Houghton was in his third in 15 years so these opportunities don’t come along very often; you have to try and play your best and take them.”

Which will be the disappointing factor for Hull; they failed to reach their highest levels of performance. They had kept the League Leaders scoreless for the opening 27 minutes and led via Marc Sneyd’s penalty.

But Josh Griffin’s needless pat on the head of Wigan prop Oliver Partington saw a scrum in their favour turn into a penalty against them and Wigan seized the opportunity.

Once they were in front with a quickfire double, Adrian Lam’s side settled into their usual groove, squeezing the life out of their frustrated opponents.

Hull have many of the requisite components, some stellar players allied to some impressive youngsters, but it is largely their mentality which needs to alter.

Last, the assistant who has seen improvements since replacing the sacked Lee Radford in March, still does not know if he will be the man tasked with bridging that irritating gap.

Salford Red Devils’ Ian Watson has already turned down the job, opting for Huddersfield Giants instead, while serial title winner Brian McDermott is now looking for a new venture following Toronto Wolfpack’s demise.

Asked if he had heard any updates yet, Last said: “I can’t comment on that unfortunately. I’ve no news on it.

“As and when the club makes a decision then you guys (media) will probably be the first to hear about it. I’ve no idea.”

He retains a “huge determination” that he can take it on.

“I’ve got a contract for next year which is obviously as assistant coach,” added Last.

“Something may change. We’ll have to see. But whatever happens I’ll be giving my absolute best.”

Whoever takes charge, the squad is in place; Fijian winger Ratu Naulago has left for Bristol Bears after facing Wigan but the rest of Thursday’s 17 remain.

Last, whose side finished sixth and have still not won the championship since 1983, knows consistency is another key.

He said: “We found some towards the back end. It’s a long season and sometimes you don’t always have to be great in terms of performance, it’s just about getting wins.

“Wigan are an advert for that; there’s some games you watch Wigan play and they’re maybe not the most pleasing on the eye but they find a way to grind out the wins.

“And then when they’re hot they are exceptional to watch.

“There’s a big lesson to learn, too, in play-offs; you don’t get many opportunities in good ball.

“It’s all about execution and Wigan did that just a little better than we did.”

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