Connor Wynne has expressed his delight to have returned to action against York on Thursday evening, and explained his goals for 2021 include tapping into the knowledge of new number one jersey holder Jake Connor, and proving to his teammates he is capable of covering in the full-back role when called upon.
The 20-year old was involved in the second-half of last Thursday’s pre-season fixture against York City Knights, which the Black & Whites ran our 28-22 winners at the LNER Community Stadium.
Speaking to hullfc.com, in an interview exclusively sent to our 2021 members first, Wynne said: It felt great to get back out there. It has been a long and tough pre-season and all the boys, including myself, have pushed ourselves really hard so it was a good feeling to get out there and to put some of the things we have been working on into practice.
“Every minute I get under my belt in matches is good for my progression and for being able to show Brett what I am capable of.”
He added: “Defence has been the main focus of pre-season really so it was really pleasing to see us defend our try-line like we did for long periods of the game.
“We’re definitely heading in the right direction in that area; in previous years, we’ve been a bit soft on the try line and let some sloppy tries in, but we showed some toughness and what we’re about in that department now.”
With teammate Josh Reynolds making his first appearance for the club on Thursday evening, Wynne expressed his excitement to working with the former New South Wales representative during pre-season and going forward.
“Josh is a world-class player and his CV shows you that. He is loving being over here and is great for players like me to be working with him and learning from him with a decade of NRL experience under his belt.”
Meanwhile, the Hull-born full-back has been working with a new full-back partner in 2021, with Jake Connor being handed the number one jersey for the new season in the absence of the injured Jamie Shaul.
“Getting the number one shirt has seen him mature a bit more, and he is going to be great for me to work with and learn from moving forward.
“He is an England international so to touch into his knowledge of the game is going to be a great opportunity.”
Connor explained that his goal for the new season is to prove to former full-back Hodgson that he is capable of standing in at full-back when the opportunity arises.
“You want the team and the coach to trust you to do the job if you are the next man to step in. I’d say I have a bit of a point to prove this season having not played many games last season and taking a bit of a knock to my confidence in that Challenge Cup quarter-final.
“Brett was one of the best full-backs around, so to learn from him is an unbelievable opportunity.
“But I now need to make sure I prove to him that I can do it in the matches and not just on the training field, and show that I am ready to play Super League when my chance comes.”
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