Castleford Tigers narrowly avoided defeat as they overcame Hull FC, preventing the Black and Whites from securing their first Super League victory since Round Three.
A win would have capped off a successful week off-field for Hull FC following the announcement of new head coach John Cartwright’s three-year deal starting next season. Additionally, the club secured promising talents like Logan Moy on similar long-term contracts. However, despite a late rally, Hull FC’s on-field success eluded them as Craig Lingard’s Castleford side clinched their third Super League victory, prevailing with a 30-22 win.
Hull FC’s loss marked their ninth consecutive defeat in Super League, compounded by a heavy defeat in the Challenge Cup against Leigh Leopards. Ironically, the defeat against Castleford Tigers was led by former Hull player Tex Hoy.
Hoy gets revenge on Hull
Credit: Imago Images
Hull FC endured a challenging start as Brad Fash underwent a Head Injury Assessment, though he later passed it. However, during this period, Simon Grix’s side fell two tries behind, courtesy of Liam Horne and the standout performance of Tex Hoy. Both tries originated from breaks inside the Tigers’ half, showcasing Castleford’s flair and living up to their ‘Classy Cas’ reputation. Despite the setbacks, Hull FC managed to halt the momentum and pulled one try back through Rowan Milnes, who capitalized on his own kick. Liam Sutcliff’s intercept try further narrowed the deficit, ensuring that Castleford Tigers led 18-10 at halftime.
Castleford once again surged ahead at the restart, notching tries through right-edge players Jason Qareqare and Corey Hall, seemingly putting the game beyond reach. Late scores from Tiaki Chan and Jake Trueman for Hull FC made for a tense finish, but Castleford managed to maintain their lead, compounding the woes of Hull FC’s 2024 campaign.
Tex Hoy’s try particularly irked fans, appearing almost inevitable yet undeniably spectacular. A break on the right edge saw Hoy released, and with only the full-back to beat, the Australian executed a chip over the top before regathering to score, doubling Castleford’s early lead.
In response, some fans found humor in the situation, while others expressed frustration in colorful language. “Great bit of business getting rid of him,” remarked one observer, while neutrals jestingly suggested that the full-back appeared to be “just the sort of player Hull FC need.”
Hull FC need to “learn faster” as naivety punished
Credit: Imago Images
Hull FC endured early setbacks in both halves, conceding 18 of Castleford’s 30 points within the first ten minutes of each period. Interim coach Simon Grix emphasized the need for his team to “learn faster,” acknowledging that they faltered early on, particularly in failing to match Castleford’s intensity in the opening exchanges of each half.
In a post-game interview with BBC Humberside, Grix stressed the importance of his team becoming more astute, noting that they “blinked first” during crucial moments, particularly in the first half.
However, for Hull FC fans, the assessments were more scathing, with one critique suggesting that, aside from a select few players like Herman, Fash, Trueman, and the younger members of the squad, the team as a whole lacked the necessary fighting spirit.
The situation could potentially worsen as Herman Ese’ese faces an Operational Rules Tribunal on Tuesday night regarding a charge of ‘verbal abuse.’
Fans expressed mixed sentiments regarding Grix’s call for the team to “learn faster.” While some acknowledged improvements in attack, particularly with Reynolds in the lineup, they highlighted the persistent defensive shortcomings. Criticism was leveled at the team’s tendency to only intensify their efforts when the game was already out of reach, with fans lamenting the lack of sustained energy and competitiveness throughout the match.
Others echoed Grix’s observation that the team appeared hesitant or tentative, suggesting that they only truly engaged in the game once victory seemed improbable. One fan expressed disappointment in the team’s lack of competitiveness and questioned their preparation between matches, suggesting a focus on media coverage about future seasons rather than addressing current challenges on the field.