This article was first published in League Express. Read articles like this by purchasing the paper in stores every Monday or online at https://pocketmags.com/league-express-magazine/
Hull FC coach Lee Radford has promised fans they will get to see a glimpse of the club’s future in their opening pre-season game against Castleford today.
Whereas some Super League clubs are opting to field strong teams in the first outing of pre-season next week – with a number of clubs in action – Radford’s remit instead will be to field a healthy contingent of youngsters at Castleford on Boxing Day.
And the Hull coach told League Express that after a strong pre-season so far, it is only right that the youngsters who have caught his eye are given a chance to impress.
“I don’t want to undersell the game, but this is going to be an opportunity for some of the younger lads to get a shot after impressing in pre-season,” he said.
“Guys like Jez Litten and Jack Downs have worked hard in pre-season and this will be the chance for them to stake a claim in the opening game of our season. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they respond to the opportunity.
“It’s going to be a great test for them against Castleford,” he said.
“They’re a good side and it’s the kind of test you want in your pre-season.”
The game is Hull’s first of a four-game pre-season, which sees them face cross-city rivals Hull KR and a tie with dual-registration partners Doncaster, in between a historic game against Toronto Wolfpack next month.
