Hull Seahawks v Leeds Knights: Jordan Stallard tipped to be difference-maker for Seahawks

Having been sidelined for a month with a lower-body injury, the 28-year-old centre returned to action in style with a goal and an assist in the Seahawks’ 5-4 overtime win at Romford Raiders on December 14.

He added a goal in the 5-1 defeat at Leeds Knights last Friday and impressed during the 3-1 home win over Sheffield Steeldogs the following night.

Ahead of his team’s Boxing Day derby clash at home to Leeds, Davies is confident Stallard will prove a key figure for the Seahawks from hereonin.

“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Jordan yet and I think once he gets a run of games together I’m hoping that we can keep him in the team for a long time and keep him playing well,” said Davies.

“He was starting to show what he was capable of before he got injured, he was starting to get comfortable and we saw a different player and I feel like we’re going to get that from him.

“There is a real player in there and he is somebody who I think can really help us going into the second half of the season.”

Stallard came to Hull following a season in the Elite League with the troubled Fife Flyers, posting six goals and 10 assists in 42 appearances.

This year has already exceeded that with 10 goals and eight assists in just 19 games.

“It’s been quite evident that we missed him,” added Davies. “He was really starting to come into his own before he got injured, not just defensively and being solid at both ends, but he was starting to score goals and dominate games.

“There was a game against Peterborough where he was just the best player on the ice by far - and he scored the winner in overtime.

“He’s a very good two-way player and he gives us the stability that we need. He works hard all of the time and isn’t somebody who will take nights off or shifts off.”