Josh Griffin is hoping he can win the battle of the centres and hold on to his place in the Hull FC team for their historic Super League game in Wollongong, Australia this Saturday.
Hull are continuing their preparations at their Kiama base in New South Wales ahead of facing Wigan Warriors at WIN Stadium on Saturday morning for the first of their two-game tour Down Under.
For all the players at the club it is an experience they’re desperate to be a part of, nobody less so than Griffin.
The 27-year-old, now in his second season at the club, started in his preferred left centre position in round one last week against Huddersfield Giants, with Jake Connor excelling at right centre in what looks like a promising three-quarter partnership with new winger Bureta Faraimo.
However, the presence of a fit again Carlos Tuimavave has given FC coach Lee Radford a selection headache, with Tuimavave having made the left centre position his own last season alongside wingman Fetuli Talanoa.
“There’s a massive battle for the left centre role with Carlos – it’s the side I prefer playing and is probably my more natural side but there’s some great centres at the club and there’s a real battle on. Hopefully I’ve done enough to keep my place,” explained Griffin, who is making the most, alongside his team-mates, of the hot weather and an opportunity to train twice a day in the Australian sunshine.
“It was a good session on the first day. We had a light session but yesterday was the first proper one with the team and the boys looked sharp.
“It really helps when it’s dry and everyone’s skill is that little bit sharper. Credit to the Australian boys that train in that heat all the time because it’s really hard work.”
Hull’s preparation for Saturday’s game has continued in Kiama with Tuesday spent doing a first double session, while football manager Gareth Ellis attended a civic reception in which the Kenny Sterling Trophy was unveiled.
Named after the FC and Wigan greats Peter Sterling and Brett Kenny, the trophy will be contested by the two clubs this Saturday along with the two Super League points on offer.
“The trophy is a fantastic gesture to recognise two great players, as well as being a fantastic piece of art. It promises to be a great week and an even better game that we’re all extremely proud to be part of,” said Ellis.