Three clubs drew in 10,000-plus attendances. One was sub 5,000.
Hull FC’s Tom Briscoe, Lewis Martin and Arthur Romano celebrate after victory over Leeds.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC were one of three Super League sides that managed to draw in five-figure crowds in round five, with Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls also posting respectable numbers.
The Black and Whites posted a 12,871 crowd against Leeds Rhinos, with Hull – without nine first-team players due to injury – digging deep to defeat the Rhinos 24-16 on Sunday afternoon. They were led superbly by John Asiata and Jake Arthur, with the win ending a run of four successive defeats.
Meanwhile, Wigan saw the biggest crowd of the round, with 13,187 inside the Brick Community Stadium on Thursday night to watch their 23-22 victory over York Knights. The Super League newcomers led 14-0 early on before a crucial sin bin to Ata Hingano helped Wigan turn the screw, but they were still made to work for victory with a Harry Smith field goal proving to be the difference.
Bradford Bulls recorded the last five-figure crowd, with 10,031 at Odsal on Friday night to see the Bulls defeat Huddersfield Giants 26-14. The defeat proved to be the final straw for Luke Robinson as Giants coach, with the club parting ways with their former player on Sunday. The win was also Bradford’s third at home from three attempts.
Elsewhere, Warrington Wolves saw 9,342 inside the Halliwell Jones Stadium for their clash against Castleford Tigers on Saturday afternoon, with the Wire maintaining their unbeaten start to Super League with a 72-6 massacre. Matty Ashton capped his return from an ACL injury with a hat-trick of tries, while young half-back Ewan Irwin was preferred to Marc Sneyd.
In the South of France, 8,156 saw Catalans Dragons defeat Hull KR 26-20 on Saturday evening thanks to a last-gasp try from young winger Lenny Marc. The sides were locked at 20-20 after a Rovers fightback (they trailed 20-6 at one stage), but it was Catalans who had the last laugh at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
On Friday night, Wakefield Trinity saw 7,552 inside the DIY Kitchens Stadium, or Belle Vue to traditionalists, as they defeated Leigh Leopards 18-14. The win was Trinity’s third in a row after home scalps over Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos.
The only sub-5k crowd was at Toulouse Olympique, who saw 4,652 inside the Stade Ernest Wallon as St Helens had a strong first-half performance to thank for a 30-16 victory. They led 28-0 at half-time.
Super League Round Five Attendances
- Wigan Warriors 23-22 York Knights – 13,187
- Hull FC 24-16 Leeds Rhinos – 12,871
- Bradford Bulls 26-14 Huddersfield Giants – 10,031
- Warrington Wolves 72-6 Castleford Tigers – 9,342
- Catalans Dragons 26-20 Hull KR – 8,156
- Wakefield Trinity 18-14 Leigh Leopards – 7,552
- Toulouse Olympique 16-30 St Helens – 4,652