AN emotional Kirk Yeaman paid tribute to the support of the Hull FC fans before declaring the future of their club in safe hands.
The 29-year-old centre celebrated a testimonial victory as Hull beat Castleford Tigers 26-6 in an encouraging display at the KC Stadium.
Cheered on by 5,577 fans who came to show their support for the Hull-born star, Hull fielded separate sides in each half.
Starting the game in a youthful Hull team, which included ex-Hull KR youngster Jack Latus, Yeaman was full of praise after helping them to win the half 10-6.
"I thought the young lads in the first half were great and it shows the progress this club is making and how we are definitely heading in the right direction with all the youngsters coming through," he told the Mail.
"They did themselves and the club proud. It is exciting to have this competition for places. In the past we've had to bring in players on loan, but I don't see why we'd have that need anymore because we showed we've got the depth to our squad now to cope with whatever comes our way.
"Last season was a big learning curve for some like Ben Crooks and Josh Bowden, but they'll be a lot better and they are ready for Super League.
"We have the coaching staff and the players now to really do something and I'm confident in the next couple of years we can win trophies."
The ease of Hull's victory offered promise, with Yeaman admitting his excitement regarding the future having agreed a new contract to take him until the end of 2015.
Turning the focus away from the future to the present, the centre says his testimonial was an occasion he'll never forget.
"It was an emotional day, not just for me but for all my family as well," he said.
"We have been counting down to this day for a long time now and I really enjoyed it. I'm over the moon with the support the fans gave me at the game and throughout my testimonial. I appreciate every single person that turned up for me."
