FC show spirit and grit, Sneyd’s a true leader and fringe stars impress
GIANTS CUT DOWN IN TIGHT CONTEST
Hull FC claimed a gritty 17-10 victory over Huddersfield Giants on Friday despite being without 12 players. Mahe Fonua, Jack Logan and Connor Wynne scored the Black and Whites’ tries as FC came from behind to see off Ian Watson’s side.
Spirit and grit
Brett Hodgson was understandably filled with pride as he watched his makeshift side battle and grind out the win.
It was a first half that the 5,527 inside the MKM Stadium will quickly forget as Hull looked disjointed, disorganised and at times lost without the 12 players missing through injury or international call-ups.
However, a switch was flicked at the break as Hull bit down on their gum shields and started to win the arm wrestle.
They cut out the mistakes that had been so common in the opening 40 minutes and as they got themselves on the board, their confidence grew. After battling away and showed bags of determination, they finally and deservedly hit the front on the hour mark.
Wynne, for example, showed huge character to bounce back in the second half after threatening to lose his composure in the first. Brad Fash turned in a huge stint through the middle of the park to ensure the absence of Chris Satae wasn’t felt as much as it could have been. Jack Brown and the Ligi Sao the same.
Jordan Johnstone made almost 50 tackles in the game to keep Huddersfield at bay, while the likes of Manu Ma’u, Cam Scott and Joe Cator typified the effort required to get over the line once more.
This might have been a game Hull lost a season or two ago, but Hodgson has been working hard at breeding that gritty culture at the club’s County Road training ground and his efforts were on display on Friday night.
Strength in depth
The Black and Whites have been unfortunate to lose so many players over such a small space of time and it could be said that most of those players missing on Friday would have been involved in some way.
However, their absences provided chances for the club’s fringe players to showcase their ability against the Giants and they certainly did that, particularly in the second half.
Hull started the season with one of the smallest squads in the Super League and while they have added to that with the additions of Mitieli Vulikijapani and Jack Logan, it is still slim, of that there is no question.
But, those who stepped in against Leigh last week and Huddersfield on Friday have shown they can they be trusted when called upon and they are more than capable of slotting into Hodgson’s system.
It’s unlikely Hull will be missing so many key faces again, but the head coach will have no qualms in calling on those fringe men again should he have to.
Sneyd a true leader
There have been moments this season when Marc Sneyd has vindicated his co-captaincy appointment, with the two recent games against St Helens immediately springing to mind.
On Friday, though, his leadership qualities were there for all to see as he took responsibility as one of the most senior men and grasped the match by the scruff of the neck.
He didn’t drag Hull back into the game single-handedly, of course, but he was a joy to watch in the second half, opening up the Giants, assisting all three tries and nailing his first one-pointer of the season to all but seal the result.
Vulikijapani makes good impression
Supporters were happy to see Jack Logan score on his second debut for the club and the introduction of Aidan Burrell with a couple of minutes remaining on the clock raised a roar from the stands.
It was Vulikijapani, though, who undoubtedly made the biggest impression on his home debut and first start. The Fijian never put a foot wrong on the left wing, showing off his running game with some encouraging moments down the flank and handling everything the Giants threw at him.
That performance is backed up by the stats, showing he made 144m in his 14 carries, with three tackle busts before completing seven tackles of his own.
He still has plenty to learn and with players set to return for the next game against Salford don’t be surprised to see him drop out of the starting line-up.
But, he certainly showcased his ability and Hodgson won’t hesitate to throw him in once more in the coming weeks.
All Stars questions
Whether Super League games should have been played at the same time as England’s clash with the All Stars is irrelevant now.
The fact is, they did and clubs were left depleted and struggling to field a team as Shaun Wane and Combined Nations All Stars coach Tim Sheens hoovered up the best talent clubs had to offer.
Huddersfield were without five players, while Hull were missing three as Jake Connor, Chris Satae and Andre Savelio joined up with the All Stars.
Injuries were always a risk in such a high intensity game and Hull weren’t the only club to see one of their players go down hurt.
However, as a club they are