HULL FC: Team-work key, not just me

SEAN Long insists his Hull FC team-mates deserve all the credit for the 32-12 win over St Helens – despite the play-maker receiving most fans' plaudits.

Securing the man-of-the-match honour – and the headlines with his try-scoring performance – the new Hull captain enjoyed a debut to remember at Knowsley Road.

Having played there for 13 seasons, the 33-year-old admitted nerves took a hold prior to his winning return.

And he was keen to ensure his new colleagues took a big share of the plaudits after a memorable win.

"This was a great team performance by all the boys and we can be proud of how we all played," Long told the Mail.

"This game was never just about me and the win was about how well the team played.

"We were solid and hit Saints on the counter, which killed them really.

"The first 20 minutes they threw the lot at us – the kitchen sink and everything, but credit to us we held them out and I think that hurt them.

"Saints are not used to that when they throw everything at teams, so full credit to our defence which was bang on."

Hull's victory is only their second at Knowsley Road in the Super League era.

Played in thick fog, the game was close to being called off but went ahead with Long the focus of attention.

The extended build-up and hype surrounding the scrum-half's return to a ground he called home for 13 years did start to get to him.

"There was a lot of pressure on me coming back," added Long.

"I was very nervous before the game and if I am being honest, I had to hold it all in as I didn't really want to let the lads know how nervous I was.

"I haven't been that nervous for a long time."

While Long deflected any praise which came his way, coach Richard Agar says he wasn't surprised to see Long thrive on the pressure.

"It was always going to be a big show from him but he's been doing this for a long time so none of us should be surprised," he said.

"We thought the players were getting anxious before the game. But of all people, it was Longy who got the guys together and gave a talk to everyone to say we needed to calm down.

"It is a mark of the player he is that he recognised it and addressed it with the boys and we clearly saw his focus in the game."