Hull turn attention to defence as Australian star signs

Hull, who yesterday confirmed the signing of New Zealand Warriors stand-off Brett Seymour on a three-year deal, showed their attacking capabilities with the biggest win of Richard Agar’s reign at Wakefield last weekend.

However, the coach realises it is their opponents’ offensive skills they will have to be wary of tonight given the depth of talent in the St Helens ranks.

“We’ll have to be as honest as the day is long with our ‘d’,” said Agar.

“Their attacking options are outstanding and when you look down the Saints roster you know you’re going to be asked plenty of questions.

“But we’re getting to the business end now and we know we’ve still got a lot to play for.

“We’re hoping to see this continuity carry on.”

Hull’s recent run leaves them knowing they will leapfrog Castleford and Leeds into sixth spot if they prosper and their rivals – facing Warrington and Wigan, respectively – each lose tonight.

Captain Craig Fitzgibbon is unlikely to play as he nurses a shoulder injury which kept him out of the Wakefield victory but Kirk Yeaman is fit to resume after the epileptic fit which prevented him from taking part in the second half.

“Kirky was back to normal pretty much straight away after the match,” said Agar.

“We’ve done some precautionary stuff and reviewed the medication he’s taking.

“We’re still waiting for a couple of views back on that but he’s trained fine and there’s no problem.”

The capture of Australian Seymour for next season further enhances Hull’s prospects of ending their long-running creative issues.

Hull have already signed young Leigh scrum-half Jamie Ellis and Seymour’s current Warriors team-mate, hooker Aaron Heremaia, for 2012.

They have beaten off interest from Bradford and Harlequins for the ex-Cronulla and Brisbane Broncos No 6 who has made more than 100 NRL appearances and is a former Australian Schoolboys international.

“Brett is a very talented player with a sharp football brain,” said Agar, Seymour having learned his trade from Broncos legend Darren Lockyer.

“He possesses a wide array of skills and a great kicking game.

“He will bring confidence and quality into our halves and is a player coming into his prime.

“He is very excited about getting here and he is an integral part of our plans for 2012, a major capture for us who will add more depth and more quality.”

Seymour has endured a colourful career in Australia, being sacked by Brisbane for disciplinary reasons and later also being axed by Cronulla.

However, he has rediscovered some of his best form since becoming a teetotaller.