So it all starts. Next Up HULL KR

Quote: MadDogg "I thought it was appalling from Hull and I feel so sorry for the fanbase who turned up in such big numbers again. I remember some of the most terrific RL atmospheres in and around Hull games in 06/07 and 16/17 when they were strong contenders. Particularly good memories of the 2007 playoff game against Wigan - yes for the result but mainly for the noise, energy and tension in the ground. Now there's just a passive acceptance of poor standards and its a sad sight. Fans are clearly still passionate about the club and want something to get behind but there's just nothing there.

You can't underestimate the value of an organising halfback. Harry Smith is not a flashy player by any means but he's just as if not more important than French and Field in the way he guides the team. Running fullbacks just don't cut it in the modern game - they need to be playmakers and I'm not sure Jack Walker has that in him. Stick a fork in Danny Houghton - he's done. Obviously it was a bit of a disaster for the overseas forwards - dreadful discipline and outright laziness at times. I thought Ashworth and Martin were very committed and brought some energy but outside of that there were no real positives.

Hull need to give as much game time as possible to their academy players this year. The results aren't too important as this current first team squad won't win enough games to challenge anyway. Hull would be better off preparing for the future and beginning to develop a side that has Hull at its core. Yes there's a duty of care and of course they shouldn't be played in more games than they can handle physically but the fanbase need a reason to get behind the team again - a genuine focus on Hull born youth might give them that.'"

Good to have a perspective from outside the city of Hull bubble and yes we are light years from that 2007 playoff game which I remember was a very high quality game.