“I thought he turned back the clock” – Tony Smith hails star performer including ‘terrific’ try

Hull boss Tony Smith almost practically praised every player following the side’s 30-18 victory over Warrington in the closing fixture of Magic Weekend. 

However, one man who rightly stole the headlines was hat-trick hero Josh Griffin, who enjoyed three tries within 20 minutes in the second half. 

“I thought Josh Griffin turned back the clock a bit there, using his speed to score tries,” said Smith.

“That last try of his was terrific. I was pleased for him.”

And Smith continued with the praise for his players following their impressive display inside St James’ Park, including try-scorer Tex Hoy and winger Darnell McIntosh.

Other players mentioned included halves pairing Jake Clifford and Jake Trueman, while the coach hailed two more veteran players within his squad. 

He said: “I just ran in to three of them in a row, sitting next to each other, in Danny Houghton, Scott Taylor next and then Griffin. 

“They’re pretty close to a century in ages and they’re playing good footy. 

“I said to each one of them as I shook their hand, they’re each doing a good job for us. I’m pleased for them. 

“They’re working hard and they’re not looking too far ahead.”

Tony Smith praises try-scorer Tex Hoy

On Australian halfback Clifford, Smith continued: “I love watching him. 

“He’s got a bit of everything about his half-back game. I love it when he runs. 

“He looks so smooth when he’s in some space and he kicks well. 

“I thought he managed the game better in the second half than he did the first half. He was much more controlled and thoughtful about how to win that game and that helped us a lot.

“I thought that Jake Trueman did too. Both of them are getting better and sharper with each other.”

Hull climbing the Super League table

Hull have now picked up four wins in their last five Super League fixtures and have turned a corner following their slow start which included seven straight defeats, including a 60-14 hammering at home to Salford. 

The win in the north east sees the side overtake Huddersfield on the Super League table and jump to ninth position.

“I did say I thought we’d get better and improve as the year would go on and I do think we’re doing that mostly,” Smith admitted. 

“It doesn’t mean it’s a guarantee that next week we’re going to be better than that.

“We’re certainly better than what we were a number of weeks ago just when we weren’t all connected up. 

“It wasn’t through a lack of effort, but you can see a lot more cohesion with us now.” 

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