It’s a simple game, rugby league: run hard, defend tough, complete, get some rhythm, and post the points on the board. If only it were that simple. But Hull FC made it look simple at Wigan.
They completed at a staggering 97% and were outstanding on both sides of the ball in what was a thoroughly deserved 32-12 victory. Putting in arguably a season-best display, Hull showed polish in their attack, they built pressure, and they kept up that stranglehold. They charged down the field and got to their kicks, and they never let Wigan off the hook.
Their sets were quality, going both hard and direct and out wide. They punched through Wigan but also went around them in a performance that was very easy on the eye. They also had to defend tough, with Hull under the cosh at the start of the game. They repelled some dangerous Wigan attacks and then built themselves into the contest, showing discipline, patience, and the like to get a strong foothold.
They then got a roll on, with their big props Liam Knight and Herman Ese’ese charging into the Wigan line and getting Aidan Sezer – who led the side superbly – kicking from more desirable areas. Wigan couldn’t handle it, with the champions put under pressure time and time again.
Eventually, they cracked. One try became two, with line-punching back rower Jed Cartwright getting an early brace (and how good is it to see the Aussie fit and firing again?), before Sezer added a third. Wigan responded after the break, but Jordan Rapana’s and Jack Ashworth’s tries sealed a statement win.
The big question now is how far can this Hull side go? They’re in the mix for a play-off spot but are being chased hard by Wakefield – a battle that is set to go down to the wire. But regardless of what happens, it’s truly a night-and-day turnaround from last year, with Hull a club that is united as one – from the playing group, staff, and supporters – and within a genuine chance of getting that desired top-six finish.
It also shouldn’t be lost that Hull are chasing their big target having spent the last two months without perhaps their most influential player: John Asiata. The likes of Jordan Lane and Liam Watts are also out injured, with Hull missing Amir Bourouh, Ed Chamberlain and Sam Eseh in victory at Wigan. It’s no mean feat.
It shows the grit, effort, and commitment to the cause within this squad, whose attitude and application have been indisputable this year regardless of what has been thrown at them. But when Hull get polish to their performance, completing their sets and putting it on in attack, they have proven they are a genuinely dangerous team – and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The challenge now is not to let those standards slip, and while it’s easy to get carried away after a win at Wigan like that – even if the hosts had a few out themselves – it’s very much one week and one game at a time. Cartwright has said as much all season, and that’s the mentality serving Hull well.
They host Huddersfield Giants next, a game they will be heavily fancied to win before a week off and then another home game against Salford. It’s hoped that the likes of Asiata and Pryce will be back then, adding further shape and quality to this Hull side, who, when they get into their groove, certainly pack a punch.
If they keep those standards up, with competition for places set to drive standards further, it’s hard to not see them achieve their destiny, but this is the Hull FC rollercoaster, and you can never write anything off. But for now the Black and Whites continue to control their own destiny, and for a side that won just three games in the whole of last season, that will do just fine. What a turnaround it’s been.