Hull FC faces the prospect of finishing at the bottom of the Super League table for the first time this season, with head coach Andy Last emphasizing that only hard work can prevent this outcome. The team is currently enduring a seven-game losing streak and sits just two points behind the Huddersfield Giants, who occupy the last position, with six rounds remaining in the campaign.

Despite winning only two of his 13 games in charge this year, Last remains optimistic ahead of Hull’s upcoming match against St Helens. He stresses that improving performances and maintaining effort are essential to turning the season around. “The team has shown they’re capable of getting some wins, and Huddersfield is an example to us – a couple of wins and the table can look a lot different," Last remarked, noting that a few victories could boost both the team’s standing and morale.

Last candidly outlined the areas requiring urgent improvement, reflecting on the previous week’s match as emblematic of the season so far. He cited a poor start, conceding soft tries through the middle, and inadequate yardage defense as ongoing issues. The team has struggled to prevent opponents from gaining ground too easily and has failed to capitalize on key moments during games.

He pinpointed decision-making as a critical factor, explaining that Hull has often allowed itself to be trapped in cycles of pressure created by opponents, frequently through avoidable turnovers and penalties. “It’s all on decision-making. We’re putting ourselves in that cycle of pressure, which teams want to put you in, and we’re not asking teams to build that,” Last said. He underscored the need for the team to “own our position a bit better and build more pressure” to improve their defensive and offensive execution.

Looking ahead to the match against St Helens, Last acknowledged the strength of the opposition’s coaching staff, noting his familiarity with coaches Eamon O’Carroll and Lee Briers. He praised their expertise and suggested they would prepare their team meticulously for the contest. Additionally, Last highlighted the impact of St Helens moving Harry Robertson into the halves role, commending Robertson’s dynamic running game, which posed significant challenges for opponents in their previous outing.

With the season approaching its final stages, Last’s message is clear: Hull FC must raise their standards through hard work and disciplined performances if they are to avoid finishing last in the Super League.