Radford wades into scheduling row

Hull head coach Lee Radford says Saturday’s 39-26 victory over Wigan was his team’s most pleasing result of the season.

The fixture was Hull’s third in just over a week and Radford was quick to wade into the row over the busy schedule during the post-match press conference.

“This is the most pleasing win of the season because of circumstances for both teams – it’s been an unbelievably difficult period that didn’t need to happen,” he said.

“The schedule was made for an England camp that never came about. I understand the RFL defending the situation, but if you’re not prepared to admit to making mistakes you’re never going to right the wrongs.

“I read an article that said Super League coaches should stop moaning about their players. I go to meetings and listen for an hour about player welfare and how depressed they are and how we need to keep them happy.

“There was no thought for player welfare there in that game. That was two reserve teams running on empty but we’ll be better for it.

“But some acknowledgement has to be made that mistakes have been made. Today’s game would have been cancelled had it not been for players being jabbed up.”

Despite his annoyance over the schedule Radford was full of praise for his team’s performance, particularly in the first half where they opened up a 22-point lead.

“When I took the job I was envious of Wigan’s depth but we’re getting close to that now,” he added.

“We played well and we knew we couldn’t panic when we were going to be penalised in the second half, because we knew we would be after leading the penalty count 7-0 at half-time.”