The old saying is a win is a win, but there’s no denying that Hull FC will want more. They were satisfactory at worst and at times good in a 38-6 victory at Salford Red Devils, but they can still improve: that is clear.
And while there is always satisfaction in victory, Hull continue to demand more this year because expectations and standards have gone up. This isn’t the team that dwindled away to one of their worst ever seasons last year. This is a new group, one with winners in it, and they demand nothing less than professional performances with the ultimate goal of a top six finish.
On that front, Hull, 15 rounds into the Super League season, are on track. They remain in sixth position with eight league wins to their name. Not bad, but it can be better. Hull have lost games they should have won and could be higher placed. Equally, they have won games they were tipped to lose, so it does balance out, but as mentioned above, this is a new team that has ambition. They want more.
While there were moments against Salford that were sloppy and not at the desired level, there were also spells that were very good. That’s not to get carried away, more to acknowledge credit when it’s due. It’s not outlandish to say that Hull played well at times, albeit against a struggling opponent, but neither is it to say they could have been better at times.
However, context is also important. This team is doing it tough with injuries, but injuries to key players. They have two of their most influential out: John Asiata, the glue that holds everything together, and Will Pryce, the x-factor at the back. Then there are the two back rowers, Jed Cartwright and Jordan Lane, with two outside backs in Zak Hardaker and Ed Chamberlain continuing to fly the flag there. They’ve done an admirable job, but Hull will be keen to get their out-and-out edge forwards back out on the field as soon as possible.
The weather too played a part, and while it’s the same for both sides, there’s no surprise that, with a strong wind, Salford had the better territory in the first half and Hull in the second. The Red Devils were aggressive and showed a lot of spirit. They had chances, but Hull’s defence firmed up and dealt with what was thrown at them. After the break, Hull used that wind to their advantage; their kick and chase plays were very good, and they pinned Salford time and time again, creating a stranglehold and putting the points on the board in what was again a satisfactory account – one built on desired pillars like completion and discipline.
It could have been better, but to nitpick when scoring seven tries, some of which were very easy on the eye with the likes of Aidan Sezer controlling proceedings, and 38 points with the above factors shows you’re not in too bad of a place. That was an important win for Hull, and they had to come away with a victory next to their name. They, with strong accounts from Hardaker, not to mention Harvey Barron, Davy Litten, Sam Eseh, etc, did just that, and as John Cartwright said, they did it without picking up any fresh injuries too.
And while they didn’t have everything their own way, that is key, with Warrington up next before a run of eight home games in 11 games to finish the regular season. But no one in the Hull camp will be getting ahead of themselves, and with a second trip to the Wire coming on Saturday, their only focus right now will be on preparing well and getting another win at the home of the Primrose and Blue.
Do that, and they will continue to control their own destiny, and for a team unfancied by many, that wouldn’t be a bad return. Hull are on track, but the key now is not to take their foot off the gas, and instead go up through the gears. Tougher challenges await, but so long as they keep building, keep their attitude in check, and keep looking to improve, then they won’t go far wrong.