Radford tells Crooks to bulk up

Hull FC coach Lee Radford has given Ben Crooks a clear instruction: get bigger, and you might have a first-team chance again.

The 20-year-old centre, who made last year’s Super League Dream Team, has not featured for the Black and Whites since June 21.

He has been sent away to play for Doncaster in the Championship, but there is a clear route back for him, according to Radford.

“Ben is playing at Doncaster, but he has still got a chance,” the coach told the Hull Daily Mail.

“Physically, Ben knows where he is at. We’ve put him on a physical programme to try and improve that and help his game no end. There are plenty of people who have gone to Doncaster and performed really well this year.

“Being physical at Super League level is probably a harder challenge than the Championship, but we know what we want from him and hopefully we can get that.”

Meanwhile, another Hull FC player who has spent time away at Doncaster this season is prop Chris Green.

He too feels under pressure, especially following last week’s draw at home to Castleford, but is determined to fight hard for his first-team place.

“It’s been the story of our year. We were in there for 76 minutes but were undone by a smart kick at the end,” he said.

“It’s frustrating but all we can do is turn up for each other and play every week.

“It’s hard to take, I’m sure it was a good game for the fans to watch, but we probably thought we had the game done and dusted.

“But somehow we found a way to lose – it feels like a loss to be leading in a commanding position throughout the game.

“It’s good to be back in the team, though. It’s unfortunate that we’re losing at the minute but all I can do is play to the best of my ability and do what I can on the field.

“Personally, I just want to play in every game, like every other guy does. Hopefully, I can make Lee Radford‘s decision easier to keep me out there.”