Focused Naughton wants more
In-form winger Curtis Naughton is out to keep his spot in Hull FC‘s starting team as the Black and Whites look to keep their winning run going.
Hull FC have won their past four matches and face Huddersfield this weekend. Naughton has appeared in all of those victories after injuries to others saw him called up to the squad.
The 21-year old has crossed for four tries in four games, including a double in the win over Warrington. Naughton recently signed a new two-year deal to stay at Hull FC and he says it has helped have his future sorted.
“I would put it [my form] down to a real good off season and pre-season to be honest,” he told Love Rugby League.
“I went away trained hard with my brother in Australia on the off season and came back with a good attitude and just was hungry from the start. I just wanted to play well because we have such a huge squad and there is always someone hungry for your spot.
“Signing a new contact has just made me relax really, there’s no stress about what’s going to happen for next year. I stopped thinking about that and all I needed to do was concentrate on playing good rugby every week rather than stressing about contracts.”
Naughton has struck up a good partnership on the field with veteran centre Kirk Yeaman.
“Me and Kirk get on really well on and off the pitch, I always want to learn of people who have done so much in the game and he’s a credit to our sport,” he said.
“I take on board whatever he says and try apply it in my training and playing. It’s good playing outside him.
“I would definitely say it’s my aim to stay in the squad. I love playing first-grade from playing with some of the best players in the world to the awesome crowd that we have at home and away, they support us in massive numbers wherever we go so I’m forever grateful.
“I’m only young so I just want to play as many games as I can because this career doesn’t last long.”
The Black and Whites have managed to turn things around after they were thrashed by Widnes 46-6 in round five. They have accounted for Wakefield, Hull KR, Warrington and St Helens since then.
“The mood changed a lot after the Widnes clash,” Naughton admitted.
“I think we realised what we needed to do even if it was the one per centers in training. We all regrouped and trained hard because we know what we want and that’s to hit the top four by the end of the regular season.”
Hull FC host Huddersfield on Friday night. The Giants are bottom of Super League with just one victory in 2016.
Naughton says they won’t be taking Huddersfield for granted.
“Huddersfield have been struggling as we know but we’re not dropping off now thinking it would be an easy win,” the former Bradford Bulls man said.
“We will go there expecting everything, they were a great side last year and they have the same team this year so they’re capable of playing.
“They have Brough back now which strengthens their kicking game massively so we’re going there with the same mentality as we have had over the past few weeks to play all the way till the 80th minute and try and make it five from five.”