Column: Hull FC have a bright future ahead

Hull FC may not have won at Leeds but there are a lot of promising signs for the club due to their homegrown talent on show.

Nine players who played in Hull’s lost at Leeds on Thursday came through the club’s academy – just brilliant to see.

FC head coach Lee Radford made a rather interesting comment after the game, he said: “Nine kids came through our system who played. There were 13 English kids and a fully English spine. Who would have thought that five years ago?”

And he’s right. Who would have thought Hull’s team would be majority full of homegrown talent back in 2013? Let me tell you, not many.

We’ve got to give Radford a lot of credit for putting faith in his youngsters. He is very passionate about bringing local lads through the system and he is on the way to achieving big things with his young and talented side.

We always give praise to the likes of Wigan, St Helens and Leeds when they give chances to kids so it’s only fair to put Hull FC in the spotlight. It’s good to see, even if you don’t support Hull – it’s always good to see clubs give youngsters their chance.

The three teams mentioned above are experts at bringing players through the ranks but should we be talking about Hull in the same regards now? The point could certainly be argued for.

Jordan Lane made his debut against Leeds and was sensational. It was hard to believe that it was his first ever competitive game at first-grade level to be honest. The young forward was great in defence and is a real workhorse.

It was good to see Jack Logan back in action as well. The outside-back has been terribly unlucky with injuries over the last year or two but his potential is undoubted. He could have a decent part to play in Hull’s campaign.

Jordan Abdull is still only 22 and looks an improved player since his loan spell at rivals Hull Kingston Rovers last year. He was a stand-out in Hull’s clash with Leeds.

There is so much talent in the Hull squad that I haven’t even mentioned yet like Brad Fash, Jez Litten, Jansin Turgut, Jack Downs and Masi Matongo.

Also, five players from FC have been named in the England Knights Performance Squad in Josh Bowden, Jake Connor, Dean Hadley, Jamie Shaul and Matongo. Wigan are the only club to have as many players as Hull in the Knights squad.

Radford is doing a great job at Hull and his passion for the club’s youth policy is second to none. A good handful have the potential to make real name for themselves in Super League.