On loan Ellis Longstaff instantly felt at home on his dream Hull debut - and it's no surprise.
The second-row scored twice in just three minutes during Sunday’s thrilling 34-28 Magic Weekend win against Hull KR. Longstaff, 20, had only joined from Warrington on an emergency loan a few days earlier. St Helens winger Josh Simm and Leeds full-back Jack Walker also impressed after arriving on similar deals for depleted FC.
Longstaff said: “It’s a bit unusual, three loanees debuting together. But the Hull boys made us feel so welcome. It was really nice for us all to play. Simmo got over the whitewash and Jack got man of the match. Everybody just slotted in. It just felt like home and like we’d all been playing together for years.”
The England Knights international had been struggling for game-time at Warrington. But he made up for that with an instant impact as Hull dramatically won for the first time in five games. Longstaff added: "I couldn’t have asked for any more on debut. I was buzzing for one try, let alone two. I didn’t expect that.
“I’m really pleased. I just wanted some game-time to prove myself and show what I can do. I’m thankful to Brett (Hodgson) for giving me that opportunity. It was special to be involved at Magic in Newcastle, especially in a Hull derby. The atmosphere is something you dream of.”
Longstaff has arrived initially on a three-week loan so hopes to feature when Hull visit Wigan on Friday. He wants to keep impressing FC boss Hodgson - and Warrington chief Daryl Powell. Longstaff said: “I’ve played seven games under Daryl this season.
“My consistency probably hasn’t been what he’d like. But obviously it’s hard to come by game-time as they’ve two international back-rows and reserve games don’t come thick and fast. I need to be able to prove to him what I can do. Hopefully I get the nod to play again for Hull at Wigan. I’m pretty sure this derby win can kick-start our season now.”
But Hull will be without centre Connor Wynne who has received a one-game ban for a late hit against KR.
