LEE: LET’S MAKE IT EIGHT TIMES LUCKY
LEE RADFORD called on Hull to end their Leeds hoodoo after moving to within 80 minutes of Wembley for a second successive season.
Holders Hull reached the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup by beating Castleford, with boss Radford claiming they were motivated by being written off in the build-up.
Half-back Jake Connor kicked 16 points and tries from Mahe Fonua and Jamie Shaul in two second-half minutes tipped the tie Hull’s way.
Hull face Leeds and Wigan will meet Salford in the semi-finals.
“That’s seven games we have not beaten Leeds in,” said Radford of next month’s penultimate hurdle.
Fuses
“It will be a real challenging game but it’s a Yorkshire derby and a fitting game to be involved in.”
After toppling the Super League leaders yesterday, the Black and Whites boss said: “I don’t think the media gave us any sort of chance.
“When that draw came out, the amount of pumping up they have had in their tyres lit the fuses in our boys.
“Daryl (Powell) has done a fantastic job but knockout football is when you have got to be at your best.”
Hull were the last team to beat the runaway leaders, whose challenge melted in the stifling heat after recovering from 12-10 and 16-12 down to lead 18-16.
“Cas have done the basics well and consistently throughout the season,” added Radford.
“But this is the juicy part of the year and I expect other teams to step up as well.
“The tales of the early part of the year might change towards the back end of it.”
Hull made the perfect start with quickfire tries from Carlos Tuimavave and Fetuli Talanoa backed up by the first of Connor’s eight goals.
Tigers levelled through Ben Roberts and Zak Hardaker, only for Connor to add a brace of penalties.
Roberts’ second try and Luke Gale’s third goal put the favourites in front.
Connor added a couple more penalties before Fonua and Shaul’s crucial tries.
“When we got in front, the way we tried to manage it was crazy,” said Tigers coach Powell.
“I just thought they beat us with their intent and they were too good for us.”