Josh Griffin reckons Hull’s future is in safe hands with Ben McNamara – and the experienced centre would like to be around to see the teenager progress.
Having helped Hull reach the Challenge Cup quarter-finals by beating Featherstone, the son of former Hull forward and current Catalans coach Steve McNamara made a follow-up appearance in the home Super League clash with Warrington on Sunday.
The Hull-born 19-year-old has taken the chance provided by impressive Aussie import Josh Reynolds’ hamstring injury.
“Josh is a big loss, but we have confidence in Benny Mac. He was awesome in pre-season, and we all want to see him take his chance,” said Griffin.
“The ethos that (coach) Brett Hodgson is building is that when we lose a player, the next one comes in with no dip in the overall team performance.”
World Cup hopeful Griffin, who took part in last week’s England squad training session under Shaun Wane, is also happy playing alongside winger Adam Swift, who joined from St Helens ahead of last season.
“Swifty has really raised his level after a few injuries last season,” he explained.
“He knows the game well, and he is very fit and smart, having played in a successful Saints side. It’s been good to see him hit some form.”
Griffin, 30, who moved from Salford ahead of the 2017 season, is out of contract this year and keen to earn a new deal.
“I would like to stay, there’s no reason to go anywhere else. I’m settled in the area and have played my best rugby here,” he explained.
“I think I have learned a lot under Brett, he talks a lot about off-the-ball stuff and communication, and he has allowed me to express myself in terms of leadership.
“I’m open to negotiations, and Ill just keep playing and see what happens.”
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