HULL FC: Pack power is key to derby victory says forward Moa
HULL FC's Sam Moa believes the power of the Black and Whites' pack will be key in Saturday's do-or-die derby against Hull KR.
The Tongan forward has been in impressive form as part of a formidable FC front line this season.
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Hull FC's Sam Moa.
Hull's pack were influential in helping Richard Agar's men dominate the early stages of the last derby at the KC Stadium, which FC won 20-16.
And Moa says a repeat performance is needed from FC's big men this weekend.
"This game is all about the power of the pack and that particular battle," Moa told the Mail.
"It's going to come down to that contest in the middle on Saturday and everybody has to be on board and offer what they are good at."
A bit-part player in the opening stages of the season, Moa has since broken through to miss only two of the last 18 Super League encounters for Hull FC.
Coming off the bench with good impact on each occasion, he has justified the two-year deal handed to him at the end of last season by the Black and Whites.
And the 24-year-old says he's enjoying playing in a pack where everyone offers their own unique attributes.
"We have gelled well together as a pack this season," he said.
"Everyone has their own traits and brings something good to the team.
"We are enjoying playing alongside each other and we are confident we are a match for anyone.
"For me personally my job has been made much easier when I am coming on after the likes of Mark O'Meley.
"It is a really enjoyable time playing with these guys."
Preparing for his first taste of play-off rugby, Moa admits he's having trouble containing his excitement ahead of Saturday's derby clash.
And after seeing his side cope well all season with key players missing, the fans' favourite is eager to see how well the Black and Whites now go with all their big names back in the fray.
"I'm really, really excited about this game," he said.
" I'm excited for the team because we haven't had a full team to select from all year.
"We've had to scrape some wins but we should still have finished fourth and would have if we weren't robbed last week.
"But having done that well is exciting because now we have players back.
"I can't wait to be honest. It is going to be one hell of a game.
"We've won the last three games we've played against KR but that can work against us if we are not ready for it.
"They will come back firing and we can't take them lightly.
"We are hoping we can fire and build on the good plays we've come up with in recent weeks and capitalise on having our key players back.
"The last derby at the KC was unbelievable, the fans were so vocal and helped us get through the game."
31 Comments
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by west hull, west hull
Friday, September 10 2010, 6:05PM
“back to normal,why dont you comment on youre own team?you miserable red and white sod
ps learn some english before your next post”
by backtonormal, hull
Friday, September 10 2010, 2:44PM
“sonny b w isnt coming to fc next season he as signed another contract for 2011.Cant believe tansey not playing agar you muppet next you will tell us staying why not get paul cook back free agent”
by Tony, Hull
Friday, September 10 2010, 11:43AM
“The ONLY reason Tansey has been left out is because he hasn't played for over three weeks and Hall has played well in his last two games.”
by matey, hull
Friday, September 10 2010, 9:29AM
“kiwi robin,yes tansey is a match winner on his day , but whatever anybody thinks of craig halls defensive frailties me included.you cant knock his attacking attributes, he along with tom briscoe can turn a match with a bit of individual brilliance and his try record speaks for itself. he had a good game against the rhinos and it must be somthing bad to leave tansey out.”
by Phil, Willerby
Friday, September 10 2010, 7:56AM
“A few people have said that Tansey has been left out due to drink related issues so that left Agar with no choice really. Will be a big miss for us and if Dobson doesn't exploit the weakest part of Hall's game then I will be very surprised. Having said that if the rumour is true about Tansey then the club have done right in leaving him out, you cannot have rules which some flout and get away with and which others are punished for, no matter how big the game is.”
by KiwiRobin, Auckland
Friday, September 10 2010, 6:24AM
“Where do you get your info from Craig? SBW signed for the NZRU earlier this year, and is currently turning turning out for Cantebury in the regional championships, and won't be going anywhere with a certain world cup happening next year.
You're not the same person who said Kimmorley is comning to FC, a couple of weeks after he announced his retirement?
Anyway, does anybody know the real reason Tansey has been left out? A bonus for us rovers fans as he is a match winner on his day. Only facts please.
Go the Robins!Getting up early to watch the game, can't wait!”
by matey, hull
Thursday, September 09 2010, 11:32PM
“jestbral, i assumed tansey was a dead cert, thats why i put hall on the bench. yes that is a turn up for the books slammer.”
by Jestbral, Fish Dock
Thursday, September 09 2010, 8:42PM
“Matey : I'd be surprised if Hall is on the bench - that would mean Horne playing full-back, and I think if Agar intended to do that he'd have played Horne there against Leeds. I think/hope the line-up will be Hall, Briscoe, Berrigan, Yeaman, Lynn, Horne, Long, O'Meley, Houghton, Manu, Tickle & Fitzgibbon ; Subs : Washbrook, Cusack, Lauaki & Moa. That would give us cover in the backs in the event of injuries (ie Horne to full-back, Washy to 6, and Hall free to cover any gaps in the 3/4s). It will be interesting to see where paul Cooke finishes up. I think Salford is the most likely destination, given they've been doing a lot of recruitment, and that McRae is coach. Cas & Crusaders are probably the only 2 other SL options, other than which the Championship beckons.”
by Stoz, Blackandwhiteforever, West Hull
Thursday, September 09 2010, 7:01PM
“If rovers have any sense they'll pepper craig hall, bad decision in my eyes. Sure halls had two good games but to play him at full back against rovers is too big a risk in my opinion”
by slammer, EHIW
Thursday, September 09 2010, 4:12PM
“matey, looking at Agars 17 I feel sure he will go with 4 forwards with washy as the utility player. What do you think about Tansey being left out? Bit of a shock eh!”