 |  |  | |
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
 | |||
Dykes, Adam |
  Adam DYKES [Player Stats] + Submit additional information or a correction to this player 
Dykes cleared for Challenge Cup tie against Rochdale Sat April 19, 2008 Source: www.hullfc.com Australian half back Adam Dykes has given Hull FC a late boost ahead of their Challenge Cup fourth round tie against National League One Rochdale Hornets at Spotland on Sunday (3pm). The 31-year-old will end his three match injury absence with a neck injury and virus against the Hornets and coach Peter Sharp said: "It's good to have Adam back as he will give us more options and variation to our game. "It will also allow us to build up some combinations between him, Shaun Berrigan and Danny Washbrook which is going to be important for us in the weeks to come." Dykes hasn't played since Hull lost 30-4 at the KC Stadium on Easter Monday to Super League and World Club champions Leeds Rhinos. In his absence, Berrigan has switched from hooker to half back and has done an excellent job but for Sunday's game the former Australian Test star can go back to his more accustomed position at hooker. Although Hull has Dykes back they will be without Kiwi full-back Motu Tony and prop Ewan Dowes who have joined Hull's casualty list and are not being risked. Tony has been carrying a chest knock and Dowes aggravated his knee injury last weekend and both are being given a week's break to recoup before Hull's clash with Huddersfield Giants on Sunday week. "With the injuries we already have it makes sense not to risk anyone else but I expect both to be available for the Huddersfield game," Sharp said. It is likely Todd Byrne will switch to full back and that will leave the way open for teenager Tom Briscoe to make his fourth appearance of the season. Briscoe has already played three Super League games and has been included in Hull's squad. Looking ahead to Rochdale Peter Sharp is by no means underestimating the Hornets and said: "We will give Rochdale every respect. "The pressure is off them; they can go out and enjoy themselves because they have nothing to lose. "In these circumstances teams often play way above themselves and we are preparing for exactly that. "I am sure their coach Bobbie Goulding will be telling his players the pressure is on us and he'll be looking for his side to come out and throw the kitchen sink at us in the opening 20. "We have to be ready for that and we have to be prepared to play hard, just as if it is a Super League game, to get the result. Nothing is given, this cup-tie won't be. "After beating Castleford last weekend we have a great opportunity to not only progress in the cup but also get back to back wins, something we haven't done so far this season. "It is also an opportunity to build up some partnerships, especially between Adam Dykes, who is back from injury, Shaun Berrigan and Danny Washbrook. They have not played together often this season; this is a big chance for them to get some understandings going." Record against Rochdale It is almost 12 years since the two teams' last meet and that was a high scoring classic at Spotland. Hull and Rochdale last met on August 4th, 1996 in a game which produced an incredible 98 points with Hull coming out on top 58-40. The Challenge Cup has seen a couple of surprises by Rochdale, especially in 1922 and 1958 when they beat Hull. In 1992 at Headingley, Rochdale edged Hull out 10-9 in the final to win the cup and then in 1958 they produced a major shock at the Boulevard by winning 16-13. This will be the 11th Cup meeting between the clubs and Hull has won six with one draw. Four games have been played in Rochdale with two wins for Hull and a draw. Hull FC Squad Berrigan, Briscoe, Burnett, Byrne, Cusack, Dykes, Freer, Hall, Houghton, Lee, Manu, Radford, Raynor, Tickle, Thackray, Washbrook, Wheeldon, Yeaman News sent by: www.hullfc.com Adam Dykes can't wait for Hull FC challenge Thu June 7, 2007 Source: www.hullfc.com Adam Dykes can't wait to begin his new challenge with Hull FC next year. Having made what he described as a "major decision" to leave his home-town Cronulla Sharks club, he said: "I am now so excited about playing at Hull FC." The 30-year-old will begin a two-year contract next season and when he returns home he's hoping to take a Grand Final and Challenge Cup winners medal home with him. Dykes admits that coming to England and Europe is a great life experience for himself and his family, but stressed, "Footie comes first, I am coming to England to play footie and win games and that comes above everything else. "It will be a life experience coming over and being able to see Europe but that is only an added bonus." Having spent nine of his 12 year professional career with the Sharks he admitted it's a wrench to leave and he had to be sure he was making the right decision before committing himself to Hull. "Every since I was a young lad growing up and playing footie in Cronulla I only had one thought, playing for the Sharks," he said. "They were my home-town team and they were the team I dreamed about playing for. "When I eventually did I was so thrilled and proud and I have to say every time I have pulled on a Sharks jersey I have done so with great pride and passion. "It's special, so when Hull made me an offer to come to England I just had to make sure it was right for me and my family." Dykes naturally talked things over with his wife Nicole, he also spoke to a number of people about England and Hull and the response he got was very positive. He had a chat with former Hull player, Craig 'Pod' Wilson, who coaches at the Sharks and played for the Airlie Birds during that first season following the merger with Gateshead until he was forced to retire with a knee injury. "Craig said he could not fault the place," said Dykes. "He told me it was a great town and club and the fans were something extra special." If that wasn't enough then maybe a strange twist of fate was the deciding factor. Dykes explains: "When I told my parents I'd received an offer from Hull their next door neighbours said I should take it. "Why did they say that you might think? They are in Australia so what's Hull to them. Well, it just happens to be their home town, they are from Hull." He was convinced and the fact Hull have a lot of home grown players in their side is something he likes, adding: "Your home town team is special and I notice Hull have a lot of home grown players in their team, which I believe is excellent. "It shows their are a club that cares about its roots and wants to bring local players through - that is great for me." Dykes regularly watches the Super League on TV, and added: "I have watched Hull a few times and I think they have some good players in their squad. "There is their Great Britain players, Richard Horne, Kirk Yeaman, Gareth Raynor and Garreth Carvell of course, but I have been impressed with Danny Washbrook and Craig Hall. "They are two good youngsters and I'm also looking forward to playing footie with big forward Carvell. "I obviously know Hutch (Maiava) from his time with the Sharks. He's a big fella and from what I've seen he's starting to play much better. "Willie Manu is another player I know from his time over here. Willie is a player I often liken to David Solomona for the way he holds the ball and the freakish way he can offload. "Hull have a lot of talent in their side and I believe I can, and will, bring something complementary to the table next year. "I've spoke to Peter (Sharp) about my role. The first job is to earn my teammates respect and then look to bring some organisation and direction to their game. "That's the challenge and I am more than up for it." Dykes has known Sharp since he played for New South Wales under 17s, but the Hull boss had left Parramatta just before he joined the Eels from 2002 to 2004. "Peter coached me with the 17s but he wasn't at Parra when I joined them. "But the boys still spoke about him and they held him in high regard as a coach. You remember things like that." During his Eels days, Dykes worked under former Hull coach Brian Smith, and he said: "I learned a lot from him." Looking back over his career, Dykes makes no secret of the fact 2001 was an outstanding year. "That was special," he said. "It was great to win the Dally M five-eight (stand-off) of the year award and I only just missed the big one, the Dally M Player of the Year. "I'd gone into the last round of the season ahead but got injury after five minutes and had to come off. Preston Campbell who was my closest rival had an outstanding game, won the man of the match, and pipped me." Adam Dykes: DOB: February 5, 1977 Height: 5ft 9in Weight: 13st 8lb Position: stand-off Clubs: Cronulla, Parramatta, Cronulla Representative honours: City (2001) News sent by: www.hullfc.com
|
Privacy Policy | Legals | Terminology | Credits Recommended Screen Resolution 1024 x 768 or higher | All times are Australian Eastern time unless otherwise specified
Rleague.com PTY LTD, operated by Rugby League fans James Stewart (Content, Technical development and implementation), Matthew O'Neill (Content) & Chris Riediger (Content)
Rleague powered by Drop Outs
Rleague.com PTY LTD, operated by Rugby League fans James Stewart (Content, Technical development and implementation), Matthew O'Neill (Content) & Chris Riediger (Content)
Rleague powered by Drop Outs
