Leeds Rhinos solid in defence as Hull FC fall to 38-6 defeat at Headingley

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Tom Briscoe celebrated his testimonial in style as Leeds Rhinos came away with a convincing 38-6 win over Hull FC at Headingley with the Super League season just two weeks away.

The Rhinos reduced the visitors to just six first-half points as Briscoe scored a try and kicked three goals as Hull FC came away from Headingley disappointed.

Leeds Rhinos Coach Richard Agar was absent due to testing positive for COVID-19 but his side continued their 100% record in pre-season with two weeks to go till their season opener against Warrington Wolves.

Hull FC full-back Jake Connor was brought off after 15 minutes with Head Coach Brett Hodgson confirming post-match that he came off with a suspected broken hand and will be going for a scan.

The match started horribly for the Rhinos with Hull FC making the most of the six again rule as back-to-back penalty infringements saw the black and whites gain field advantage.

Adam Swift was on the receiving end of quick and pinpoint passes with the winger diving over in style to give the visitors the perfect start.

The Rhinos hit back several minutes later when Harry Newman broke through the centre of defence running 30 metres downfield before offloading to hooker Kruise Leeming who touched down next to the posts.

Sustained pressure on the Rhinos goal line saw FC come close to scoring with Luke Gale attempting to go over the try line himself but to no avail.

Leeds showed their power in the middle with Liam Sutcliffe finding the try line after powering his way past the FC defence to make it 10-6 to the Rhinos with Sezer’s kick hitting the posts.

There was a break in play when Davy Litten received treatment after receiving a big hit from David Fusitu’a close to half-time and subsequently left the field of play.

The Rhinos scored twice in the opening five minutes of the second half when testimonial man Tom Briscoe found the try line in front of the South Stand. Half-back Sezer found the try line after a well-worked play down the middle.

Richie Myler got on the scoresheet for the Rhinos as they shifted to fifth gear with Ash Handley making a break down the touchline before passing it inside to full-back who strolled through an open FC defence to make it 26-6.

Both half-backs were on the scoresheet as Blake Austin received an inside pass to touch down under the sticks despite being sent to the sin bin earlier in the game.

Rhyse Martin then turned from goal-kicker to try scorer as the Rhinos put the final nail in the coffin to make it 38-6.

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