Houghton: Last season can’t be a one-off

Making sure they aren’t a flash in the pan is the aim for Hull FC in 2017, according to Black and Whites hooker Danny Houghton.

The Airlie Birds victory in the 2016 Challenge Cup final against Warrington was the first trophy in over a decade for the East-Yorkshire club. And the club is hungry for more.

“We want to make sure we’re not a one-season wonder,” Houghton said.

“The plan is to compete on all fronts and make sure we’re right in the mix come the business end.”

Houghton admitted last year’s success has raised expectations at the club and the key is to strive for a high level of consistency.

“People expect us to compete and win silverware,” he said.

“It’s about making sure we maintain that level of consistency and put ourselves in with a shout come the Super 8s and inevitably then top four.”

There was a possibility of Hull FC completing the treble after their Wembley win, but four defeats in their last five matches ended any hopes of making history.

Houghton admitted it was unchartered territory for the large majority of the squad and highlighted the need to learn from the experience.

“Everyone realized the struggles we had after the cup final but it was all new to the majority of the squad,” he said.

“80% of the team had never tasted any silverware so it was a massive expectation that we didn’t really expect.

“Hopefully if we’re in that position again next season we can learn from that and improve on it.”

The Black and Whites start the new season with an away trip to Wakefield next Sunday and Houghton is under no illusions of the test Trinity will pose.

“The recruitment they’ve made is mega,” he said.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge and probably a good guide to where we’re at come round one.”