BRIMMING with enthusiasm after a tough training session, it's clear to see Fetuli Talanoa is enjoying life at the Black and Whites.
Something of a 'punt' signing by coach Lee Radford, the Tongan winger has become a firm fans' favourite since arriving at Hull FC in the off-season.
An ever-present in the side throughout 2014 – alongside Joe Westerman – the 26-year-old was taken aback at how much rugby he's played after having 12 months out of the game prior to his arrival.
"I'm actually surprised I've survived this season so far," Talanoa told the Mail.
"With the year off last year I had no pre-season, I did my own training back home.
"It was nothing compared to training with the team, though. Each week I put on that jersey, I'm actually thankful and surprised how fit I am and how happy I am here.
"Considering I had the year off, I'm very happy with my own form. There's a few goals I still want to complete but at the moment I'm happy where I'm at."
Rewarded with a one-year contract extension midway through the current campaign, Talanoa believes the new deal will give him the chance to prove with a full pre-season regime with his team-mates under his belt, he can continue to impress for next season.
"It wasn't really in the back of my mind to sign a new contract. I was just focusing on playing week in week out, getting on the field and playing some good rugby," he added.
"It'll be good to have a full off-season under my belt and I'm already looking forward to next season.
"We're still keeping our hopes up for the eight and anything can happen in rugby league right down to the death.
"We've just got to play every week and control our own destiny.
"We'll run out there and show the fans we're not going to turn over for any team. We're going to fight until the death."
Tomorrow's opponents Bradford provide tricky opposition for Hull, following the relegated Bulls' back-to-back shocks over Leeds Rhinos and reigning Super League champions Wigan Warriors.
Keen to not allow James Lowes' men a hat-trick of upsets following their relegation, Talanoa admits their recent revival is a cause for concern. However, he's confident his side can do the job.
"They've come off two good wins against two quality sides and they're under no pressure," he said.
"It's a sticky situation for both clubs. They're playing some good footy and we're just starting to get some form to try and get in that eight.
"It meant a lot to get the win last time, just to get the feeling back in the club and within the players. It brought us a lot closer together and the break did us the world of good.
"The rest of the season will come from within this team. We can't look outside the bubble at what we cannot control, we just want to focus and believe and keep that team spirit alive.
"This is a game which will pretty much set our standard for the rest of the season and our fight to get in the top eight. It's going to be a tough battle and we cannot afford to take them lightly."
