No Long shot for Hull

Thursday 4th February 2010

On Saturday night, we finally get to see Sean Long run out at Knowsley Road in something other than a shirt with a red vee.

The game itself should be a fascinating contest with Hull's 'new team' facing a St Helens side with England starlet Kyle Eastmond at half-back and with a fully refreshed Paul Wellens operating from full back. 

But obviously all-eyes will be on Long to see how he performs with his new team-mates and to check the kind of reception he'll receive from the Saints supporters.

There have been questions raised about the wisdom of Hull signing Long but for me he is sure to be a success for the Black and Whites.

The simple fact is that Long is a highly experienced professional Rugby League player and  when he's on the field he has the ability to block out distractions and diversions.

He has obviously attracted a fair few headlines in the last few years but he has also been consistently solid as one of Super League's leading half-backs. I expect him to bring that to the Hull team and with support from the likes of Craig Fitzgibbon, Mark O'Meley and Richard Horne they have the potential to blend into a formidable outfit.

I'll predict an opening night victory for Richard Agar's men!