Hull FC up to 5th in Super League table with gritty win over Huddersfield Giants

Hull FC’s composure and discipline earned the Black and Whites their fourth win of 2022, seeing off Huddersfield Giants 14-6 at the MKM Stadium.

Following a thrilling victory over Leeds Rhinos last week, FC boss Brett Hodgson was forced to make further changes to his already depleted squad with Joe Cator, Kane Evans, and Jamie Shaul all missing. Hodgson did however welcome back Tongan international and experienced forward Manu Ma’u for the first time this season, with Jordan Lane also returning to bolster the hosts’ pack.

Huddersfield meanwhile have been the surprise package so far in 2022 and headed to West Hull in a rich vein of form, starting the campaign with four victories and just the one defeat before their trip to the MKM.

Both teams started the contest at a ferocious pace with Chris Hill of the Giants and Chris Satae of Hull FC leading their respective forward packs as the big men went through a lot of work in the opening stages trying to dominate their counterparts from the off.

Hull looked in control throughout and their positive start was rewarded on 14 minutes as a fantastic offload from the returning Ma’u set his side on the front foot before a clever kick from Jake Connor was met by Mitieli Vulikijapni who touched down in front of the North Stand.

That was as good as it got in the first half for either team. As Hull’s Josh Griffin did, Huddersfield’s Joe Greenwood also saw an effort chalked off before the interval as the Giants struggled to click in attack and coach Ian Watson will be frustrated that his side didn’t offer enough questions of Hull FC in defence.

HALF TIME: HULL FC 6-0 HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS

At the restart, FC’s domination continued with Brad Fash setting the tone in attack down the middle of the park including a 40-meter burst downfield which resulted in a set restart deep into Huddersfield’s territory, ending in an offside call against the Giants from referee Liam Moore.

Hodgson’s men took that penalty as a chance to get some more points on the board, with Ben McNamara slotting over to give the Black and Whites an eight-point cushion with 32 minutes left to play.

Only moments later, Andre Savelio scored FC’s second try of the game and putting the affair out of reach for those who had made the journey from West Yorkshire. Giants stand-off Tui Lolohea fumbled Joe Lovodua’s grubber kick in goal which was met by a dab from the foot of Connor before the back-rower pounced on the bouncing ball. Savelio was rewarded with a try after a stellar opening 50 minutes, causing havoc in attack and defence.

In an unsavoury fashion, however, the main talking point of the game came in the 68th minute when Huddersfield’s Will Pryce was shown a straight red card for a horrific attempt at a tackle on Connor Wynne which is almost certain to result in a lengthy ban.

Although Pryce – touted by many as a real up and coming star – does look set to be sat in the stands for a few weeks, some great sportsmanship between him and Wynne after the dismissal was nice to see for all at the MKM on a sunny afternoon.

Down to 12, Huddersfield rallied with Chris McQueen taking his try-scoring tally to six for the season late on. A former England International, who some believe could challenge for a place in this year’s World Cup squad, burst through two challengers to get himself over the line.

However, a comeback was out of the question for Watson’s side, as Hull FC held on to their lead with the extra man and picked up back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

FULL TIME: HULL FC 14-6 HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS

Hull FC: Jake Connor; Adam Swift, Mitieli Vulikijapani, Josh Griffin, Connor Wynne; Joe Lovodua, Ben McNamara; Ligi Sao, Danny Houghton, Chris Satae; Andre Savelio, Manu Ma’u; Jack Brown

Bench: Brad Fash, Jordan Johnstone, Josh Bowden, Jordan Lane

Huddersfield: Tui Lolohea; Jermaine McGillvary, Leroy Cudjoe, Ricky Leutele, Innes Senior; Olly Russell, Will Pryce; Owen Trout, Danny Levi, Chris Hill; Chris McQueen, Ollie Roberts; Luke Yates.

Bench: Ashton Golding, Matty English, Joe Greenwood, Oliver Wilson

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