Aidan Sezer lifts lid on Hull FC half-time conversation that inspired Wigan Warriors shock

Hull FC captain Aidan Sezer has lifted the lid on the half-time conversation that inspired the Black and Whites’ glorious comeback at Wigan Warriors. John Cartwright’s side were comfortably second best in the first half of the clash at the Brick Community Stadium on Saturday night.

Tries from Zach Eckersley, Jai Field, Junior Nsemba and Liam Farrell ensured the Warriors led 22-6 at the break, with Herman Ese’ese’s effort being Hull’s one note of positivity. As such, the Cherry and Whites appeared to have one foot in the quarter-finals of the competition as they emerged for the second half and the expectation was that they would kick on to get the job done.

What followed, though, was comeback that left last season’s quadruple winners stunned. Amir Bourouh got over early to set the tone in the second half before a spectacular Lewis Martin hat-trick got the visitors the shock win in Greater Manchester. Sezer provided the assists for final two tries and slotted three conversions on the night in what was his best showing in a Hull shirt so far and after the game he piled praise on his teammates.

“I’m full of emotion now,” the half-back told the BBC. “We knew we’d be up against it coming here against the best club in the world and to beat them in the Challenge Cup, such a prestigious tournament, with where the club has been, it’s a special moment.

“We were all really frustrated (at half-time), but it was about getting back to zero, composing ourselves and going again for another 40. The scoreboard had them 16 points in front and we had belief that we could claw it back and we did.

“Credit to the boys. I know it’s a cliche but they really dug in and got the result at the right end.”

Martin wasn’t the only homegrown youngster to impress for the Black and Whites in Wigan with Harvey Barron catching the eye on the other flank, while Logan Moy stepped off the bench and performed admirably to help Hull FC complete the comeback.

“I’ve always said since I’ve come into the club that the older boys have a duty of care for the young blokes, they’re really talented but they have to be nurtured the right way,” Sezer added. “They love the club and they keep us older boys young. This one will be good for the boys to enjoy, it’s no mean feat coming here and beating Wigan in the Challenge Cup.”