Magic Preview: Taylor made

Black and Whites prop can’t wait for Hull rivalry to re-ignite

For Scott Taylor, Magic Weekend is all about the Hull derby.

The Black and Whites prop is relishing the prospect of facing their big city rivals and former club at St James’ Park, both in a bid to recreate past memories and to erase those from an Easter defeat this year.

“We were really disappointed with the performance we put in on Good Friday, we played poorly and Hull KR got the better of us,?? Taylor explained.

“We were out-enthused and that was very frustrating, especially for me sat on the sidelines watching.

“This is our first chance to get some payback so to speak, and when Magic comes around we’ll be right up for it and looking to get a win against our arch rivals.

“Magic is a great concept that has been absolutely brilliant for the game, and the fans love it.

“For a few years we stopped playing the Hull derby there and it just wasn’t the same so I’m glad it’s back.

“Seeing the stadium full of black and white and red and white shirts is something special.??

 The contest also provided Taylor with his own stand-out Magic moment in 2018.

“It was when Kirk Yeaman came out of retirement for one game and we beat them,?? he added.

“Jake (Connor) put a kick in from 40 yards out, I chased it and it bounced back into my hands to score.

“I’d been struggling all week with a shoulder injury and didn’t know if I’d be able to play, so to then come up with a try and get the win is one of my favourite memories.??

Now Taylor sees this year’s return to Newcastle as the perfect opportunity to lay a platform for the remainder of the Betfred Super League season and beyond.

He added: “We’ve been pretty inconsistent this year.

“We’ve turned up in some big games and got some really good wins against Catalans and Wigan at home.

“But then we haven’t backed it up and have lost games we should have won against Cas and Wakey.

“We’ve shown what we’re capable of when we stick to the game plan and be more disciplined, but that inconsistency is hurting us.

“Over the 80 minutes if we click I would back us to beat anybody - we just need to show that more often.

“It’s been good to see the impact the young players here have had this year.

“For a couple of years we didn’t have a load come through, but this crop is one of the best I’ve seen since I’ve been at the club.

“The club has made a really good addition bringing Michael Shenton in with the academy and it’s been brilliant to see them bringing lads through.

“Wigan and St Helens have shown that a big bulk of your squad has to be hometown and it’s great to see Hull FC getting back to doing that.??

Player in Form - Joe Lovodua

It’s fair to say that Fijian utility Lovodua wasn’t the highest profile overseas import in Betfred Super League this season - but he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting.

Signed seemingly as a hooker, the 24-year-old has also filled in at half-back and loose forward as Hull have battled against injury issues.

But wherever Lovodua has slotted in he has been Hull’s main attacking threat for much of the time, quickly establishing himself as a favourite among supporters.

One to Watch - Jack Brown

The homegrown front rower got an early season chance through Scott Taylor’s foot injury - and has grabbed it with both hands.

Since then Brown has become a key member of Brett Hodgson’s side, with his tireless work-rate with and without the ball invaluable for the Black and Whites and earning him an England Knights call-up.

With fellow middle Brad Fash another to stand out through similar traits, Hull have a pair of non-stop forwards to lay the platform up front.