Not really a surprise when he's been forced to play the full 80 in the middle of the park quite a few times this year though is it

That never stopped Swain

His girlfriend is a friend of my wifes and apparently Shaun Berrigan advised him to try his hand in the NRL last year sometime. I can't see why he wouldn't at least give it a go, he would improve far more even if playing reserve grade there than he would first team here in my opinion.

Swain had far superior distribution than Houghton, imho.

He's been excellent this season. His yardage gains around the ruck are very good, his kicking is ok and his defence is excellent. He needs to work on his guile but he is getting better imo.

And Swain without doubt had and was given superior coaching than Houghton has ever had at Hull.



Unfortunately for Houghton to progress his game and reach his full potential he will have to leave unless we see a full clearout of the coaching staff and a quality coach and set up brought in.

Indeed, and this is a MASSIVE concern I have about Hull FC, we seem set to ruin what talent a lot of our youngsters have by retaining poor coaches at all levels.

This could be a blessing in disguise,very average player around the acting half.

Must be a wind up,no one in the NRL would seriously consider him?

Can't disagree at all. You only have to look at how many of the top teams in SL have their youngsters out on loan to other SL clubs. We are years behind on that front.

Without a doubt.

Of course he will and should leave if he wants to better himself.



The career of most professional sportspersons is very short and they have to maximise their earning potenial. Hull FC have kept him and other local born players on shoe string wages whilst paying others with bigger names and reputations, super star wages. I bet Hull have attempted to sign him for an extension and I bet it was for a whole lot less the Berrigan was on. If he has stuck an early release request in it will not have gone down well, but what can they do if a player wants to leave.



Release him early, with a clause GIVING FC FIRST REFUSAL ON HIS RETURN.

Yep...and as we know FC want him to sign an extended contract but he has refused, can hardly blame him for the insulting money they have paid the kid!