Joe Lovodua has hit the ground running with Hull FC but his early season form hasn’t caught head coach Brett Hodgson by surprise. Lovodua has been one of FC’s most impressive performers so far this year and he has rapidly become a favourite with supporters, who could be heard chanting his name during the club’s last outing at Wigan Warriors.
The Fiji international has showcased his talent and skill on a regular basis, but his versatility has perhaps been the most impressive facet of his game, having featured at hooker, loose-forward, centre, second-row and in the halves. While Hodgson admits he was previously unaware of his ability to play as a stand-off, the head coach insists he was always confident Lovodua would have a big role to play for the Black and Whites this year.
“I knew what he would give us as a player,” Hodgson said when asked if he had been surprised by the 24-year-old’s start to life at the MKM Stadium. “I probably wouldn’t have asked him to play as many positions as he has done to be fair, but I knew that he could cover back-row, lock forward, centre and hooker.
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“It’s only in conversations when he got here that he mentioned that he did come through as a half-back and we saw that with his skill early in a couple of ball playing scenarios. He’s been excellent, he’s been a great acquisition to the club and I’m sure he’ll continue to play well.”
Despite Lovodua’s form, Hodgson has a decision to make ahead of this Saturday’s Challenge Cup clash with Huddersfield Giants following the return to fitness of Josh Reynolds. The Australian half-back has missed the last four games due an elbow injury, but he’s expected to travel to the John Smith’s Stadium and he will be involved in some way.
Should Reynolds start, though, it would mean moving Lovodua away from the stand-off position he has excelled in in recent weeks.
“It’s good to have people available,” Hodgson said on his headache. “That’s the thing that we haven’t had for a number of weeks.
“The reality is that they’re both very good players in their own right and they both benefit us as a club when they play. I’m excited about seeing Josh back and I think Joey has been excellent in his absence. We’re looking forward to how they contribute at the weekend.
“Joey has been doing a great job for us in every position that he’s played. He’s a special player and the boys love playing with him but it’s great to have Grub back as well.
“Grub can create opportunities out of anywhere and I thought he was playing pretty well for the most part at the start of the season. We’re looking forward to having both those players available.”
Lovodua only signed a one-year deal when he joined the club last autumn and he has around seven months remaining on his deal.
Asked if Hull were looking to extend that contract, Hodgson replied: “Joey knows where he’s at with that and we know where we’re at as a club with that. Joey is a great kid and he’s enjoying his time here so we’ll take care of that behind closed doors.”
