I originally thought IMG Grading was a good idea, but having witnessed the London v Hull FC game today, it is a travesty that Hull FC are offered protection from ever being relegated.

Not sure buying all the over the 30's from Leigh is going to solve their problems.

How the (once) mighty have fallen!

Hull fans from only a few years ago would have laughed if it had been suggested that one day they would be one of the worst teams ever in Super League. - as Leigh fans we can be very good judges of that award! Today they were not just bad, they were shocking.

They would have also laughed if it had been suggested that the whole basis of their grounds for optimism for next season - we are not even half way through this one yet - was the appointment of Richie Myler as Head of Rugby and the signing of a whole raft of 30 plus something players from Leigh - yes, Leigh!

Hull fans need to step back and see what is actually in front of them with a good dose of realism. This is not optimism. This is desperation. If, for them, this year is already a write-off then good luck for next season. For some of us here there is still loads to play for in this one.

You raise a very interesting point Sep.
Since Hull are nailed on SL under IMG, a smart director of rugby would use that buffer to bring in a couple of key experience leaders on 1-2 year contracts, and then build a younger talented squad of quality around them. Asiata certainly fits that bill, but for three years at a massive salary, is restrictive on what can be spent elsewhere. Holmes is solid for sure but is a workhorse type player who will raise the pack above the current standard but cannot carry them and again must have been offered above the odds or I’m sure we would have retained him. If Hardaker is signed also (has that been confirmed ?) again that will not be a cheap contract, and as much as I think he still gives his all, I do not see him at SL level game in, game out next season.
Myler has the chance to do a 5 year build plan scenario, with no risk of losing SL, and only has to sell his vision to the fans. Right now though he looks like he’s going for a one season turnaround, but just doesn’t have the squad base to do it effectively and is using up his cap space too quickly. If I was a Hull fan, nothing would look positive to me right now and for the next 2-5 years if Myler is in charge.

Agreed VL.

This is not an overnight, or one season, fix.

For me, the wheels have well and truly come off and it will take some fixing over a prolonged period of time.

The IMG grading system buys them time because there is no jeopardy with regard to relegation. I see that Derek has highlighted this in his most recent comments

To be fair though. This is the only time they’ve been one of the worst teams. For Leigh it’s everytime they come up they are one of the worst teams in the comp. Show hull a little respect as they are a bigger club than Leigh ever will be

Basic troll level. Amateur

Hull are a top 4 club, and it is unfair to laugh at them because they are going through a bad period. How dare supporters from Minnow clubs have the audacity to have an opinion? The my club is bigger than yours mentality is exactly why they deserve the ribbing they are getting.

Hull FC are well supported, this is not in doubt, but there are only a handful of metrics to determine how well and how important a team really are. The IMG interim report suggested that on a league table Hull FC are only 7th, and awarded Class A status by the narrowest of margins. Finishing 12th in the league will not help with that score and put Hull in danger of dropping down to Class B with all the other riff raff.

From an outsiders perspective, there appears to be issues with culture, selection, and team performance. The big solution was to employ a former player with no management experience. This is obvious in the way that Myler conducts his business, like a bull in a china shop, with no sense of the code of conduct amongst clubs. Discussing salaries and contracts of John Asiata was outrageous, and discussing contract negotiations with Paul Rowley is utterly unprofessional.

The results on the pitch speak for themselves and a huge turnover of playing staff at the end of the 2024 season is expected, to accommodate the top heavy salaries of the veteran players (mostly signed from Leigh).

Any club who promotes themselves as superior to other clubs should expect to receive a level of abuse when they fall below the required standards of competition.

Can I get an harrumph on that reply for Sep

VL, you're a Mountie; get your horse to do the harrumphing!

Myler's mania is a little bewildering. HFC could soon be facing more financial misconduct charges than Manchester Arabia!

Serious question (or two): if the RFL were to dock HFC multiple polnts, would the ill-begotten grading system of IMG still protect them? Have the overly expensive eejits overlooked that scenario?

Bongser defers to both your ken and research, Sep, but recalls Marwan buying a flashy car for one of his (then) Salford players. Found to be in breach of cap, Salford were given a dock of six points - suspended until a time of the RFL's choosing!! They hated Marwan - and later adopted his idea (pooh-poohed at the time) of allowing Marquee Players!

I’ve heard Asiata has looked into backing out of his Hull deal, whether it goes any further or not remains to be seen. Unhappy with the way Hull have handled things and a change of heart with Lam signing a long term deal with Leigh.

Asiata is truly top class but he hasn't played regularly since the cup final last year. I think its time for him to move on.
Trout is learning quickly about go forward and ruck speed and i think will become a monster next season. We will miss his ball playing skills but they are replaceable. I think i would rather have the cap space and quota spot at this time.
Asiata has been immense and i will never forget his contribution to the semi final against St Helens but it just feels like time.

John Cartwright announced over here as Hulls new coach on a three year deal.