Shaul ready to fight for full-back spot at Hull FC

Jamie Shaul may have been handed the number 1 squad number by Hull FC for the 2016 season, but he knows that he has a battle on his hands to be the club’s first-choice full-back.

FC have a number of players who can turn out at full-back, including Curtis Naughton.

Shaul is making a real effort to become stronger and fitter for 2016, though, and has been hitting the weights room hard as  preseason gets underway at the Black and Whites.

“It is only a number on the back of your shirt at the end of the day. It’s nice to retain the number and I’m looking to keep that until the end of my contract,” he told the Hull Daily Mail.

“Even with Jordan (Rankin) going there are numerous players in the team that can play at full-back. I don’t want a repeat of this year when I spent significant time on the sidelines.

“It’s still a big challenge for me to retain my place. If you are not playing well you will not start games, it’s as simple as that. I’ve got to perform every week and I’m just really looking forward to the 2016 season.”