Multiple monitors issue

I have 2 monitors linked to my Mac Pro 15" (macOS Catalina) and I have connected a hub (USB-C) with which I had both monitors connected by HDMI. Once both connected by HDMI only 1 monitor would display the screen.

In the end I had to connect 1 monitor via USB-C and 1 by HDMI off the hub. So, with the laptop screen active, I have the left monitor (connected by the USB-C) as mirror to the laptop and the right monitor connected by HDMI through the hub as the extended display. The hub is connected by USB-C to the laptop and that seems to work OK.

I then close the laptop screen (after changing the setting for display close sleeping) and the monitor order is swapped around - that is mirrored monitor is now left and extension is the right monitor.

However when I goto battery power (that is disconnect the power connection via the hub) with the laptop closed the monitors go blank and nothing is visible.

Then if i open the laptop the displays appear again in the correct left mirror, right extended format.

Close laptop and apply power through hub - monitors appear in left extended and right mirror format.

I have tried various hubs to try and settle this issue but to no avail.

I need some form of hub to use USB 3.0/3.1 thumb drives and such, as my space for the laptop is limited on either side - hence the use of a hub.

One question is could I use 2 thunderbolt ports for monitors - i think most I have read indicates it should be 1 thunderbolt and 1 HDMI.

Any help appreciated

Ron