Holbrook Q&A: Praise for Regan Grace and Mark Percival

MC: At 25-12 up, how did Hull get back in that game?

JH: We were the ones in front and probably kept playing too much.

We did not relax in that area but we gave them a few opportunities and they were good enough to take them.

We also did not take a couple of chances, when Zeb lost the ball near the line and Regan went into touch.

MC: When Regan stepped in touch, when you review it what do you highlight and what should have happened?

JH: Anything but what did happen! You would have loved Percy to have gone himself, but you can’t blame him for giving it to Reegs, who was unfortunately not paying attention to where he was standing.

It was one of those things we got slightly wrong – I have no issues with that I want them to back themselves.

MC: That left hand side of the pitch impressed on Sunday?

JH: Percy had a great game he did some quality things, as did Regan.

Regan had his best game for us.

Those two boys really stood up for us.

They were a threat with everything they did and it needed to be.

MC: Hull came out to be physical, how did you respond to that?

JH: They did come to play that more physical game and tried to make it tough, which we are ok with.

They overstepped the mark and it cost them.

Our discipline probably won us the game in the end – for Louie not to react – easy to do when you get a knee in the head – meant he did not go into the bin with Washbrook.

That is a great quality to have and I think that discipline won us the game.

MC: How tough were those conditions on Sunday - given we are now largely an evening sport?

JH: They are great conditions but I don’t think we play in them often enough, to make everyone feel a bit more comfortable, because we play mainly night games.

To get thrown into a day game and for it to be so warm – that is what we are not used to. It was the same for both teams.

Day rugby games are great to watch as they are bit more open and free flowing, but then you get to the back end of games and you see two teams run off their feet.

Then you realise why they are not doing this or that. Because it is boiling hot.

MC: Jonny Lomax came back on the field at the end but he got a couple of knocks during the game, how is he now?

JH: He has bumps and bruises that is for sure, but we will look at him later in the week.

MC: With regards to the Challenge Cup draw there was a cheer and cries of 'We are going to Wembley!' when Catalans was pulled out. What do you reckon Steve McNamara will have made of that?

JH: It was an obvious reaction - that is what the fans would do. Any group of fans would cheer, and I am ok with that.

They tried to put the monitor in the sheds to get the reaction from the players but I said no – because of that reason. No matter who you draw you are going to react.

To be honest all three teams would have wanted to play Catalans based on where they sit.

That is not to disrespect them. We are playing them in a semi final to get through to Wembley.

MC: What do with the Challenge Cup mentally now?

JH: It is nine weeks away for the semi – but the good thing is it gives our fans a chance to plan for it.

We had a great turnout on Sunday, but that was an additional cost to watch them outside of the league fixture. Now it gives them time to plan and save up for this one.

The advantage we can get over Catalans is not where we sit in the table because that will be irrelevant once the game starts, but the fact that we can get good support can really help our playing group.

MC: Did the players appreciate that crowd volume?

JH: In those conditions the advantage of us playing at home was huge and we needed it.

We were hanging on against a quality opposition in a knockout with nothing to lose.

They were throwing it around hot potato at the end and we kept having to come up defending and we did that.

The atmosphere was great.

MC: You have had a settled team this season, but do they have an extra incentive to keep playing well with the possibility of Wembley?

JH: It is great feeling knowing that we are still in cup and playing in a semi in nine weeks.

The high standard that the staff and playing group set, we want to be consistent. That has got to roll back on the eight games before we play that semi-final. We have a real pride in how we play – and that will continue.

MC: The team has a points buffer at the top of Super League - a stark contrast to last season when you had to fight to win every game to stay in contention. Does that change anything?

JH: I feel just like last year, when I wanted to win every game to to try and force into four. It is no different this year - I still want to win every game. The luxury is if someone is not 100 per cent we may have to rest them.

Last week Tommy Makinson sat out – even though he could have played. We have that option, but if they are fit, nobody will be rested.

They love playing rugby league for a reason.

Even this week - after that tough game - I will wait till Wednesday and if a couple of guys are not right I will give them a rest.

But if they are all ok they will play.

MC: What are your thoughts on Hull KR?

JH: They had a bad loss against Cas but they beat Wigan the week before. It is going to be hard. They are a hard-working team. Any chance you give them they will be ready to take and that is why we cant give them any opportunities.