Abdull sets sights on Cup final

Hull FC’s Jordan Abdull says recent performances will stand them in good stead ahead of their Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan Warriors this evening.

Hull FC head into the Cup clash after finishing top of Super League after 23 rounds, and with just six losses.

“I feel very confident about the game which stems from the good form which we have shown,” Abdull told Love Rugby League.

“The last two weeks, especially against Hull KR have seen us play some brilliant stuff.”

Abdull is wary that Wigan will present stern opposition and they will have to be at their best to overcome the Warriors.

“We know the match will be tough. Wigan are a very physical side lead by Sean O’Loughlin,” the 20-year old said.

“I think they will throw a lot of attacking flair at us and try to slow down the ruck. They are very good at slowing the other side down.”

The Airlie Birds finished the regular season at the top of the table which is something that Abdull admits was really pleasing.

“It meant a lot to people. The first two games we were flying.

“Then we were flat and a lot thought it might just be another season but to get over that period and maintain a high level of consistency throughout has been great.

“A special mention has to go to Paul [Hatton] who has joined the club as part of the strength and conditioning staff.

“He has done a great job at keeping injuries to a minimum and working hard to get players back on the field as soon as possible if they do pick up a problem.”

This season has seen Abdull spend time out on loan at Featherstone Rovers – a move he admits was difficult to take at first.

“At the start of the year I was quite hopeful of making the starting team. In the two Super League games earlier on, I didn’t play to my best,” the satnd-off said.

“Then it was announced I would be going to Featherstone and my agent tried to reassure me it would be good for me in the long term.

“After it was over I realized the standard at Championship is great and the coach Jon Sharp did a lot of good work for me while I was there.”

When Abdull came back to his parent club, he was soon back in the side and has been a regular feature for the last few games.

“After the spell at Featherstone I had played a few games in the under-23s and thought I was playing great.

“When Radders [Lee Radford] called me into the first team I felt like I had earned it and it was a really good feeling.”