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Gentle: Better balance is key for Hull FC

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PETER Gentle says his Hull FC team are now a much more balanced outfit that boasts genuine threats on both sides of the pitch.

Gentle's comments come after his right-sided duo of Tom Lineham and Joe Arundel grabbed a hat-trick each in Friday's 52-0 victory against Castleford Tigers at the KC.

For many years, Hull have relied heavily on their left edge to produce the majority of their points, with the combination of Tom Briscoe and Kirk Yeaman a particularly dependable outlet.

This season has seen a shift in focus and while Briscoe and Yeaman have two tries between them, the right three-quarter line has so far produced 10 of Hull's 24 tries.

While Gentle selected Lineham and Arundel against the Tigers, he also has Ben Crooks and Jason Crookes waiting in the wings.

And that combination of youthful exuberance and competition for places has delighted the Hull coach.

Asked about the contribution of Lineham and Arundel against Castleford, Gentle said: "We have a couple of good young players there and then there is Ben Crooks too who unfortunately missed the game through injury, so we've got some strike there.

"What Friday showed is that our right edge is developing. We have always had strike on our left edge, but now we are starting to get strike on our right as well."

Hull's four right-sided options have an average age of just 20 years old, with all except Lineham tied down to long-term deals.

Eager to not build his talented young wingers and centres up too much, Gentle says they are still developing with a lot to learn.

"Tom is still making the rookie errors, but he brings plenty of plusses too," added Gentle.

"A hat-trick is always good to get but to get one against your old team, that is even better and that's great for Joe.

"Richard Horne has played a big part in how well they've done and his service to the young guys out wide has been exceptional."

With Crookes and Crooks both expected to be fit for Saturday's trip to Huddersfield, Gentle will face a difficult selection dilemma in terms of a way back into the side for those two at present.

Hull will nervously await the match review panel's decision today in terms of any further penalties for the squad following Friday's fighting against Castleford.

Danny Tickle was shown a red card for his altercation with Weller Hauraki, while Mark O'Meley was given a yellow card.

With further fighting breaking out across the pitch, Hull and Castleford will nervously wait to find out how many of their players will be sent to the RFL tomorrow.

One player who is certain to miss the weekend trip to Huddersfield is hooker Aaron Heremaia.

Initial fears the Kiwi had broken his ribs have now been allayed, with Heremaia taking to social media to confirm his rib cartilage had popped out, but he's unlikely to feature at the Giants and a timeframe for his recovery is not yet known.

Gentle: Better balance is key for Hull FC


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