Jamie Foster column

Last week’s match against Huddersfield was tough – extremely tough – and was probably the most understrength we have been as a team due to the shortage of players.

Going into the game, you’ve obviously got to try and stay positive and that’s what we did.

We knew early in the week that Anthony Mullally couldn’t play due to being a Huddersfield player and Adam Sidlow was missing after being ill all week.

Maybe if we had been facing a lesser team we might have been able to nick something. But Huddersfield, along with St Helens for me, have one of the best two packs in Super League.

We went with them for 15 minutes but when the interchanges came, and they are bringing on two international props and we’re bringing on two young back-rowers, it shows the difference. That’s not a slight on anyone in our squad but it was just a massive ask.

If we had fielded a full-strength team it was still going to be one of the toughest games of the year because Huddersfield are that good. To go into it with the amount of absentees we had made it even tougher and I think the fans realised that.

I must mention the supporters because they have been absolutely fantastic once again. With everything that has gone on during the past few months, the way they have stuck by us has been phenomenal.

They never leave early or anything like that and the reception they always give us coming out at the start of every game and then at the end – win, lose or draw – is quite remarkable.

That’s massive for us and as players it’s something we speak about in training because we want to do them proud. People have stood by us and we won’t forget that.

It’s on to Hull KR this weekend and I’m hoping to be passed fit after suffering from illness this week.

I came down with something after going to the cinema with the lads on Wednesday and I won’t risk myself if I’m not 100 per cent because it’s not fair on the team.

Hull KR is a very intimidating place and I’ve not won there too many times in my career, but hopefully our loud and loyal support can cheer us to victory on Sunday.