Wakefield Trinity edged out Hull FC 14-10 at Belle Vue to claim their second win of the Super League season.
Here’s our talking points.
A lack of quality
This one was entertaining enough, but it certainly wasn’t a game packed full of quality at Belle Vue. Wakefield just did enough and they dominated much of the second half to make sure of the two points, but it was hardly inspiring with the ball in hand from either side.
It was Hull who opened the scoring through with Lewis Martin touching down in the corner, finishing the move he started by breaking through the Trin line and powering his side up the field. Wakefield hit back as Will Tate touched down in the corner, but Martin scored a second following some ill discipline from Mike McMeeken.
A Davy Litten error handed Oliver Pratt a try just before the break and the home side build on that in the second half, dominating field position and getting the try they needed to see off the challenge of Hull, who faded immensely after the break.
That came through Tate, who made the most of a poor defensive read from Martin to get himself over once more.
Wakefield deserved the win, but it wasn’t one worth watching back, that is for certain.
Full-back conundrum
John Cartwright has a big decision to make at full-back going into next week’s Challenge Cup clash against Leigh Leopards. Davy Litten has started the last two games in the role following Will Pryce’s injury, but he’s struggled under the high ball in both games and it cost the Black and Whites potentially pivotal points at Belle Vue.
Litten failed to take three on Thursday night with his poor effort just before half-time directly leading to Oliver Pratt’s effort.
The dilemma for Cartwright then is does he stick with Litten or move the ever reliable Zak Hardaker into the role and risk killing Litten’s confidence entirely.
It should be said that Litten caught two in the second half, which helped him gain some composure but it was certainly not a good night for the Hull lad.
Allegation made
With the play stopped just before the 50-minute mark, Corey Hall got the attention of the officials to make an allegation of foul play against a Hull player. The referee put the allegation on report without saying what had been alleged.
However, replays showed Ligi Sao appearing to tackle Hall by grabbing the area of his shorts around his genitals. There didn’t seem to be any intent there, but it will be looked at all the same.
Players sweating
Sao was back in the side after completing the two-game ban he picked up for a hip drop tackle in round one, but shortly after stepping onto the field he was in hot water once more.
The forward could count himself unfortunate but as he stretched out an arm to wrap Caius Faatili, the Wakefield man fell and twisted, meaning Sao caught him on the head. It was deemed to be penalty sufficient on the field but the match review panel might see it differently on Monday morning with Sao already walking a tightrope when it comes to disciplinary.
Mike McMeeken is another who will be sitting uncomfortably following his clash with Brad Fash in the first half, with a potential striking charge on the way. Jay Pitts will be worried, too ,after his direct shoulder to the head.
Improvement in both teams
It’s fair to say that both sides need to make some big strides forward in the next few weeks or the season could get away from them, particularly Hull, who remain on two points after four games.
Wakefield have a slightly more favourable run with Leigh Leopards, York Knights, Castleford Tigers and Bradford Bulls up next, which they will feel gives them an opportunity to build momentum.
Hull, though, have Leeds Rhinos, Catalans Dragons, Hull KR and St Helens up next. They need to improve fast and having Jake Arthur step up to the plate would certainly help.
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