Sharp Happy with Underdogs Tag

Correspondent

Hull FC will go into Friday's Qualifying Play-Off with St Helens as underdogs and the Airlie Birds head coach Peter Sharp is more than happy that the bookmakers and media are writing his team off.

Bookies have made Hull 5/1 outsiders to claim a win at Knowsley Road, whilst the majority of the Rugby League media have been quick to write off The Black and Whites chances.

Peter Sharp, said: "I've no problems with going into the game as underdogs. All season we have flown under the radar, both as a team and individuals. Our players don't get the profile the Saints players do and as a team we have gone a little unnoticed considering we finished second.

"We have already won at St Helens, but we aren't focusing on that. That was in June and even a week in Rugby League is a long time. Both sides will be up for this battle and we must be ready, St Helens have quality players all over the field and can hurt teams. They also have weaknesses like any side and we are capable of beating them.

Despite finishing second in engage Super League Hull FC had just one representative in the Dream Team selected by the media. This week however The Black and Whites received some fantastic news with call ups for four players in the Great Britain squad.

Sharp added: "The Dream Team and awards like that are a matter of opinion, but being selected for Test Matches is a huge honours. I'm absolutely delighted for the four players in the squad. Gareth Raynor is one of the best wingers in the world, Richard Horne has been outstanding for us all year and Kirk Yeaman scored 21 tries and missed ten rounds. Garreth Carvell deserves the nod, he has been superb for me."

"It's pleasing also to see Paul Cooke and Lee Radford on stand-by. Radders has been first class, he's been a benchmark of consistency. He puts the overalls on and does the hard work for us. People talk about star players, but I wouldn't swap Lee Radford for anyone that's for sure."

"There aren't many tougher challenges in sport than to go to St Helens and win. One player that I'm a great admirer of is Kieron Cunningham. I knew all about him when I was in Australia, but I certainly didn't appreciate the full extent of his game.

"When you watch him weekly it's clear he is up there as one of the finest hookers in the world, in my opinion he is the finest in Super League at the moment. His game takes Saints forward and we must be aware of his threat."