Hull FC turned around a 10-0 half-time deficit to record a 16-10 victory over Wakefield Trinity at the MKM Stadium on Thursday night.
A game of two halves, John Cartwright’s side rallied after the break to keep their season within their own destiny and move back into the Super League play-off positions. That itself was massive, avoiding a bit of daylight opening up, with two-thirds of their season now done and dusted.
In terms of context, that really was a huge victory, with Hull finally ending a home duck that lasted 355 days, rolling the dice to get their 11th win of the season in all competitions. Here, Hull Live looks at some talking points.
A game of two halves
Hull finished the game strong, but their first-half performance, at least with the ball, certainly left a lot to be desired. They made seven errors within the first quarter of the game in what was an extension of the handling woes of the last few weeks. They were basic errors, too, at the play-the-ball and at first receiver, with Hull, who were sloppy at times, their own worst enemy once again.
They struggled to complete and gain a foothold, and only some resolute and firm goal-line defence kept them in the game. Post-match, Cartwright put that defence down as the catalyst for victory, and it should not go unnoticed – especially given that all some forwards did in the first forty was defend and defend. Those efforts ensured Hull were only 10-0 down at the break – a deficit they knew they could claw back should they buck their ideas up, and that’s exactly what they did.
The final completion figure of 81% is mad when Hull completed at less than 50% in the first half, but it is telling and shows why the drum has continually been banged. It’s a simple game at times, with Hull running harder in a domineering second-half performance, attacking more directly, and producing a more disciplined display with and without the ball, turning over possession in their desired areas and grinding Wakefield down.
They were aggressive and punchy and got their reward, marching downfield to score three tries and turn the game on its head. Credit goes to them. They’re such a gritty and resilient team this year, one that, despite when they’re not playing well, never throws the towel in and shows all the courage and character to first defend with tenacity and resilience and then get over the line at the other end. Those elements, at the least, look like they’re going nowhere, and they’ll ensure that Hull are always in the contest. And with a top six battle ongoing with plenty of twists and turns ahead, those traits ensure an exciting final nine games await.
Herman’s freakish numbers
There were many contributions to Hull’s win. Davy Litten ran hard all game and came up with the winning assist, while the two wingers, Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin, were outstanding. Aidan Sezer led the side; Zak Hardaker too was superb at full-back, as was Liam Knight in the pack, but Herman Ese’ese was immense yet again and went to another level, leading Hull’s charge and getting through a ridiculous amount of work.
In fact, his numbers are insane. He played for over an hour of the game in two massive stints, making 21 carries for a total of 180 metres. He made seven tackle busts and three offloads while coming up with no errors. In defence, he made 29 tackles and missed none and gave away no penalties.
Ese’ese, who posts the same sort of playing minutes week in, week out, has been one of, if not the best, props in the game this year. His second stint was immense. He ran hard and direct and poked his nose through time and time again as Hull rampaged downfield.
It would be a miss not to mention front-row partner Knight who went with him. Knight has played the middle link role in John Asiata’s absence, but he was very strong again against Wakefield, making 146 metres and a whopping 40 tackles in two big stints.
Hooking option
Hull looked good value with Cade Cust at hooker and Jack Charles in the halves, and with Amir Bourouh failing his HIA, it’s a combination we are set to see again at Wigan next week.
Cust kept things simple in his stint at dummy half, getting out of the ruck and bringing his forwards onto the ball. He certainly made up for three first-half errors, but again that shows the character within this Hull team not to dwell on them and instead move on and produce in the here and now. Meanwhile, Charles did his job with no fuss and kicked a crucial goal late on in what would have been a mental boost to his teammates.
Elsewhere, Cartwright also has the option of bringing in Will Hutchinson or Denive Balmforth, although the latter is currently on loan at Catalans. However, the two-week call-back option has now passed, and Hull will be able to recall him if desired.
Daryl Powell’s accusation
The Wakefield boss accused counterpart John Cartwright of influencing the referee at half time. This wasn’t through comments said to James Vella in the tunnel, but those to his players and in earshot of the official.
Cartwright referenced the penalty count and told his players to fight at the play the ball to get penalties. They did just that. They had a strong surge in the second half, and they did get penalties to help them rampage downfield, akin to Wakefield in the first.
“John was saying some words in earshot,” Powell said in what was a fiery post-match press conference. “He wasn’t being aggressive. Listen, I’ve done it in the past. But it shouldn’t work. And I thought it worked. I think it has, and the game’s completely flipped on its head.
“He completely flipped his decision-making. We got none [penalties]. I’m not sure they got any in the first half. It probably should have been a bit more even either way.”
It should be noted that the Wakefield boss also conceded that Hull deserved the win – and given they were far from at it in the first half, it’s a good sign, but once again, it stems from the fighting qualities embedded into this Hull side. There’s a lot to like about them, with the home duck now a thing of the past – and boy did they celebrate it.