Sam Lisone: Hull FC prop out for up to 18 weeks with pectoral injury

Last, who has been put in temporary charge until the end of the season after John Cartwright’s exit, has inherited a turbulent situation at the club.

However, the 45-year-old hopes that despite the injuries and the coaching upheaval, he has a squad capable of making a mark on Super League this season.

The club sits 10th in the table after winning three and losing five of their opening eight games.

“I’ve fallen into this position and it’s a good position to fall into because the ingredients are there to have a really good, strong finish to the season,” Last said.

“We have to focus on our jobs. The challenge to the playing group is putting everything that has happened to one side. We need to move forward as a club.

“I’m really, really disappointed for John, he’s a good fella. We saw the reaction of the supporters towards John but we’ve made the decision and we need to move forward with it.

“The things John has instilled in us, that grit and determination and that never-say-die attitude, will be evident on Friday night (against Castleford).

“I’m going to make a couple of little tweaks to certain things but not make wholesale changes.

“I just think the big thing for us is getting our best players back on the field. I think if we can do that we have a squad that is capable of challenging anyone.”

Last will be holding the fort until Steve McNamara arrives next season.

It is his second spell as caretaker coach at his hometown club, having also stood in when Lee Radford was sacked in 2020.

“I’m familiar with the position,” he added. “I know what comes with the position. The players know how passionate I am about Hull FC and know how passionate I am about the job.

“The opportunity to coach your hometown club doesn’t come for everybody. I’ve been a Hull FC supporter since the age of six. There’s nothing I want more than to get this team winning games and challenging for trophies again.

“I’ll be driving those boys to play to their absolute best. If we can do that we are certainly a match for any team in this competition.”