DENIVE Balmforth is relishing a swift reunion with his former Catalans Dragons team-mates in Hull FC’s must-win final game of the Betfred Super League regular season.
The 21-year-old hooker played 10 games on loan for the Dragons after moving to the Perpignan-based outfit in July, and made a try-scoring return for Hull FC in last Saturday’s 34-2 win at home to Warrington Wolves.
The Black and Whites must now beat Catalans at the MKM Stadium on Thursday night and hope Wakefield Trinity slip up against Salford Red Devils on Friday if they are to make the play-offs, and Balmforth cannot wait to go up against the team he was playing for just two weeks ago.
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“It’ll be strange playing against them, but these things happen and I’m actually quite looking forward to it,” Balmforth, who does not believe his insider knowledge could help tip the outcome in Hull FC’s favour, told BBC Radio Humberside.
“I wouldn’t say it gives us more of an advantage. I think every plays kind of a similar style of game these days anyway.
“I think it’s just going to be who wants it more on the day and I think we’ve got a little more to play for than Catalans at this moment in time.”
Although Catalans only tasted victory in three of those matches, Balmforth is in no doubt that loan spell proved hugely beneficial for him after playing as many games in just over two months as he had done for Hull FC all season up to that point.
That came after a quick transition which saw him fly out to France just two days before making his Dragons debut off the bench after only one training session in a 32-0 win over Huddersfield Giants.
He has no doubt the experience of playing regularly and picking up some fresh ideas from Catalans head coach Joel Tomkins will serve him well in the coming seasons, too.
“It was massive for me,” Balmforth said. “At this stage of my career, I have to be playing regularly at the highest level possible and the opportunity came around to go out there and play.
“It was something I couldn’t really say no to, to get that valuable experience. It’s been massive for me in terms of development on and off the pitch.
“It was crazy at first and it all happened quite quickly…But it’s a beautiful place to be, the south of France, and I really enjoyed my time there.”