Houghton Demands Defensive Improvements

Hull FC captain Danny Houghton admits they must improve defensively after Friday’s mauling at the hands of Warrington Wolves. It has been an inconsistent start to 2019 for the Humberside outfit but Friday’s 63-12 loss on home soil was particularly disappointing for Houghton.

Warrington, who sit second after winning seven of their eight fixtures this term, even appeared to ease off in the second half. Houghton insists they had been working on their defensive game in the build-up to the clash, however, was at a loss as to why they failed to stick to the gameplan.

“From minute one, we spoke about controlling the ruck and giving Warrington limited opportunities, but from the start we just didn’t do that,” Houghton told Hull FC Live. “We couldn’t win a collision or contact, and when you’re playing against a team like that with the players they have available, you’re up against it.

“We spoke all week about getting out the blocks fast, because Warrington can out teams to bed within 20 minutes and they did that to us. It’s a reality check for us and a slap in the face. “When you give Warrington that much time and space, their pace is so difficult to deal with.”