Liam Watts' big Hull FC desires as prop opens up on derby and future

FORWARD IS READY TO LEAD CHARGE

- By DAN TOMLINSON

LIAM Watts got handed the Hull FC torch last month, and he’s in no mood to let it go.

Back in the starting side, the veteran knows the responsibility now placed on his shoulders, leading Hull’s charge after injuries to Liam Knight and now Herman Ese’ese.

But that suits him just fine. The 35-year-old, signed by Hull on a deal until the end of the 2025 season, wants to finish the year with a bang - and that continues at Hull KR this Sunday afternoon.

Set to take his place after shaking off a hamstring scare against Leeds last weekend, Watts is determined to do his bit, still confident that Hull can squeeze into the top six and cap off what would be a “massive achievement”.

Speaking exclusively to Hull Live, Watts said: “It is still a bit sore but I've managed so far this week to get through training.

“It’s a little bit tight but we're a bit down on troops at the minute, so I've just got to keep batting on. I'll keep managing it this week. We've got a decent turnaround and I'm hoping, come Sunday, that it will be fine and I'll be ready to go.

“It’s been a while since I played in a Hull derby-2016 was my last one. Obviously, it’s at their place and the atmosphere will be very hostile, but we're looking forward to it. We're underdogs so the pressure is on them.

“They need the win to conclude their season at the top, so it's our job to go out there and try to stop that.”

The Black and Whites head across the River Hull, depleted in numbers. They've lost big players in recent weeks but they continue to battle on. It’s very much a next-man-up mentality.

“That's the squad that the club is trying to create,” Watts continued.