Radford expects response

HULL FC COACH LEE RADFORD EXPECTS HIS SIDE TO BOUNCE BACK FROM THEIR MAULING BY WARRINGTON WOLVES WHEN HIS SIDE TAKES ON SALFORD RED DEVILS IN SUNDAY’S BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURE.

Radford was left reeling by the Black and Whites’ 63-12 home defeat but says he has now stopped “kicking stones?? and is urging his players to use the hurt as extra motivation at the AJ Bell Stadium.

“You want to get past performances like that and not dwell on them but I think you also need to use them as a bit of motivation as well,?? Radford said.

“Friday was a horrible evening in terms of our performance so if it’s the sting of that result that prods a response then so be it. They have an opportunity to redeem themselves.

“I didn’t see Friday coming, especially with our good preparations, so we were a bit shell shocked. I was kicking stones earlier in the week.

“That’s not our standard but, as the week has progressed, you move past it and look further forward to the opportunity ahead of us.??

Salford coach Ian Watson has prepared his side for a backlash as they seek a repeat of their 24-8 victory in the corresponding game in 2018.

“Hull had a few problems last week, as the scoreboard shows, but that simply means that they will be all the more determined to put it behind them and rectify the situation,?? Watson said.

“We know that they are going to come out strongly from the outset so we have to ensure that we start well and sustain it throughout the game.??

Watson, who side has won just once at the AJ Bell Stadium so far this year, is also looking for a response to his side’s 33-22 defeat at Wakefield Trinity last Sunday but is overall pleased with their start to the season.

“This early part of the season has always been about building our foundations, settling in together and hopefully getting wins along the way but we have competed strongly in almost all our matches so far,?? he added.

“Last week our performance was really good in certain areas but we have just fallen off in a few little areas, recently.

“Nevertheless, we are not far off and this weekend’s game is an opportunity to improve in these.??

Hull could give a debut to teenage full-back Connor Wynne, who has been drafted into Radford’s 19-man squad.

“Connor has been exceptionally good at academy level and earned Yorkshire selection too,?? Radford said.

“He’s been brilliant with us, too, really tenacious in how he plays the game and not a great deal fazes him. Hopefully he’ll have a great future in the sport.??