Lee Radford reveals Hull fans have put themselves into debt to watch their side

LEE RADFORD has revealed some Hull fans have put themselves into debt to watch their team in Australia.

And he hopes their gamble on the other side of the world can pay off on their doorstep, by getting kids involved in a game where participation numbers are down.

Reuters

Up to 2,000 Black and Whites are expected to have travelled to Wollongong, New South Wales, to take on Wigan in an historic Super League game.

While it is hoped it will push the competition’s brand to new audiences and potential sponsors, the Hull boss hopes it can get more people picking up a ball in his home city.

And he told how he was open-mouthed when he heard the extraordinary lengths people have gone to to make the 10,500-mile journey to follow their heroes.

Radford said: “Some of the stories are unbelievable. People telling me in the street they’ve taken out bank loans to go. It was a little bit surreal when they told me, I didn’t know what to do or say.

“But the more young kids are picking up rugby balls, the better. Hopefully us going to Australia and having a bit of success there can have an influential effect on the grassroots game in Hull.”

If Scott Taylor’s last trip to Australia was anything to go by, expect him to be back on the training field almost immediately after returning – duties at Beverley Braves had to be carried out.

The Hull and England prop is also coach of the National Conference League Division Three amateurs and even though he has flown Down Under, he already has his eye on when he will be back to help them prepare for the season.

“Last time, I got back on the Tuesday and was out coaching on the Thursday night,” revealed Taylor, 26, who was part of England’s World Cup squad. I love it and like being busy. If I’m sat at home doing nothing, I worry.”