HULL FC: Whiting targets starting role

Richard Whiting says he is approaching pre-season as if a place in Hull FC's starting 13 is his to lose.

Buoyed by his consistent end to the 2009 campaign, Whiting is in bullish mood regarding his chances of a regular place for Hull next season.

And as he enters the second week of pre-season training the 24-year-old insists he won't put himself behind anyone in the pecking order.

"I think the only way to approach pre-season is that we are all on the same level," Whiting told the Mail.

"There is great competition for places and the battle to impress Rich (Agar) has already started.

"You can't put yourself behind in the pecking order though no matter who we have arriving, that is not the right approach.

"Rich has told us we have a senior squad of 23 players and anyone of that group can earn a start, so it is up to me to make a spot my own."

Whiting will face increased competition for a place in his preferred position of the back-row.

Despite a clear-out of players last season, the emergence of Mike Burnett in the second-row combined with the arrival of Craig Fitzgibbon means Agar has a wealth of back-row options.

Lee Radford, Danny Washbrook, Willie Manu, Danny Tickle and Epalahame Lauaki are five others pushing for a starting berth in the back-row.

Whiting remains confident in his ability, but is aware improvements need to be made if he is to be a regular for the Black and Whites.

He added: "Physically I know I need to be better if I am to play in the back-row on a regular basis.

"That is the challenge for me. I need to get to the level I was at before I broke my arm and before I broke my leg.

"After all my injuries the challenge last year was to get back playing again and get into the team. I did that, now the challenge is to nail down a spot in the side."