Much as I respect Fitz for his fitness and workrate, I don't think Hull FC are getting the best out of him. For whatever reason the role he has played for all his time at the club is that of a prop grinding out the yards and blocking up the middle. One of my biggest problems with Agar is his insistance on playing a third prop at 13 but after reading that article I wonder who is now actually to blame for this.
When Westerman signed I thought, great, at last a ball handling loose forward. This should change the way the team plays, but so far there has been little change.
To improve the side, imo, Fitz should be played at prop and spelled, allowing Joe to play the full 80 at 13 and as the grounds start to firm up I think this is essential but I am concerned now that it would appear if Fitz wants to play 13, Fitz will play at 13

Indeed, and that is totally wrong if Agar is just letting Fitz do what suits himself.

BIG "if" but not the case

Good post, one which I agree with.

If the man himself is happy, then I'm happy. The only problem is that he won't be able to keep up that kind of work rate for the full season surely?

o donnell is a better player than fitz now.

O

If anything, that article has added a bit of fuel to my creeping suspicion that Fitzgibbon is calling more shots than he should. His record is superb and his work rate since being here likewise, but to me that article basically reads as 'the props aren't doing their job well enough so I'm having to help do it for them, but I won't be named at prop'. Maybe if we did name him at prop alongside O'Meley, we would have 2 front rowers charging upfield to allow Westerman to shine.

I'm just not seeing how him playing as a prop at 13 can be sold to us as in the best interests of the team, regardless of how well-intentioned he may be.

Wouldn`t surprise me either,the guy isn`t exactly a shrinking violet.

I must admit, since being named captain I have started to wonder about that side of him from reading his output.

nearly every team in the league plays 3 running forwards in the middle except leeds

Cant agree with that, Berrigan was a more marquee signing due to the fact he was a current SOO and International at the time.

How special has Fitz been? Yes he puts in 100% effort week in week out but is that enough to say he has been the 'biggest signing since Sterling'?

I don't have problem with Fitz calling a few shots, i'd be disappointed if a guy of his stature didn't tbh. We should be expecting that kind of leadership from him. I also don;t have an issue with him talking about taking a drive up for the team when required and leading by example, again that is what I would expect Fitz to do.

My issue is that is pretty much what he is doing a lot of the time so why not just play him in that position and let Westerman play 13? Maybe Fitz is telling Agar he does not want to be moved I don't know. Either way Fitz is a machine and tackles all day long and always puts his hand up every set for a carry and sometimes two per set. It's an honour to watch the bloke play regardless of what position he is but I just wish we would be smarter with it from time to time.

Fitz is easily a bigger signing that Berrigan. The guy is a legend of the game.