Hull FC got back to winning ways with a 26-12 victory over Leigh Leopards. A much needed win, the two competition points were a must – with the performance this time backed up with a result.
And make no mistake about it, the result for John Cartwright’s side was key. We’re not at boom or bust stage in terms of the Super League table, but after four league defeats from five, there’s no getting away from the satisfaction that was felt of a job well done. Reigniting their play-off push, Hull showed their credentials with a an eye-catching and resilient performance, showcasing different skills at different times.
They built themselves into the game, absorbing some early pressure and slowly getting a foothold in the contest. And when territory and possession ran on an even keel, they didn’t waste their opportunities. They were composed, disciplined, and in complete contrast to last week, clinical.
After full-time at Leeds, there was a feeling of what if – Hull left points at Headingley and they didn’t kill the game off in the crucial moments. That lack of a clinical edge cost them and undid what was a disciplined and professional account. At Leigh, it was a different story.
Hull blew the Leythers away. They kept up their discipline and professionalism, but they also smelt blood and didn’t take their foot off the gas. One try soon became two, three, and four with Hull 26-0 to the good at half-time.
The second half was a different story, with Hull failing to post further points, but they still defended reasonably well. If anything, that was clearly an effect of Hull losing perhaps their most influential player, John Asiata, not to mention Cade Cust, to injury. More on that later.
The challenge for Hull now is to be consistent with their rediscovered standard, with Cartwright labelling the last two performances as the most consistent Hull have been all season. That’s certainly the case in a disciplined attack, one that completed all but two sets in the first half and set a platform for points to unfold.
Getting to their kick and competing every set, Hull played a patient game and soon ground Leigh out. Perseverance paid off – with Hull’s big guns striking at the business end after strong contributions from the outside backs and middle units – with some big stints and numbers recorded.
It was absorbing stuff – centred off an attack whose Asiata-Sezer link continues to be both efficient and dangerous. Add to that an improved performance from Will Pryce, who is expected to get all the more threatening as time goes, and Cust, whose running game balances Hull out and keeps the opposition honest, and there’s a recipe to build on.
But that challenge only intensifies with Asiata’s injury – with the test now of finding an adequate replacement to the loose forward position this week ahead of Saturday’s game in Perpignan.
It’s huge shoes to fill. It’s not outlandish to say that Asiata has completely transformed the way Hull play the year. He’s absolutely essential to the width this side attacks with, getting his halves wider and around the field from first receiver and his injury – with the severity of a hamstring issue to be determined in the coming days – is a massive blow.
Whether Hull look to replace Asiata as close to like for like as they can – with perhaps Sam Eseh or Liam Knight stepping up – or even Denive Balmforth, or adapt their attack further, spinning their Sezer, Cust and Pryce cogs in different ways, remains to be seen, but it’s something Cartwright will look to answer at training as soon as possible ahead of a fourth consecutive game on the road.
Approaching the half way stage of the season, a win at Catalans will really consolidate Hull as a team that will compete for the top six positions this year – an eventuality not many people tipped them for.
But it’s continuity in selection as well as consistently in performance that will determine whether they get there. Fingers crossed Asiata’s blow isn’t too bad. If they get him back quickly, the side will be well poised for a play-off finish – one that internally at least, has been the goal since day one.
And in the first season of a big overhaul under Cartwright and co, what an achievement it would be. Hull have the tools to make it happen. In terms of the fundamentals, their effort, attitude, and determination aren’t a problem. It’s their consistency in skill and game plan that will determine their fate.
But if they match the disciplined account with and without the ball shown at Leigh, then the good times will keep on rolling. Onwards and upwards.