Andy Last fumes over missed sin-bin and talks crucial Lewis Martin error as Hull FC lose eighth consecutive derby

Hull FC interim boss Andy Last believes that Hull KR centre Peta Hiku should have been sent to the sin-bin in the Hull derby at Magic Weekend.

FC suffered defeat in the rivalry for the eighth time in a row, with their last win against the Robins coming back in 2023.

They had a huge chance of breaking that streak this afternoon, and with the scores level at 12-12 with an hour gone, the Black and Whites were in an excellent position to potentially pick up a win.

However, an error from Lewis Martin allowed Jai Whitbread in for an easy try, and that moment would prove to be the turning point, as from then on the Robins took control and ended up scoring eight more points before the final whistle.

Last disagreed that that sole moment decided the contest, but instead it was a number of factors that led to the defeat.

“On a big stage like this, a key moment in the game, it’s 12-12 at that point. We probably was adding a little bit of momentum there, and then the disappointing thing is, you can’t go one out against KR coming off your own try line.

“They’ve arguably got the best line speed in the competition, and there’s four or five blokes there ready to hit him with baseball bats, and they certainly didn’t miss.”

Commenting on the game as a whole, Last said: “I’m really frustrated. Hull KR started the game a bit better. We made some fundamental errors, got ourselves under a lot of pressure, gave Hull KR position.

“The few occasions where we did turn the ball over on our terms, we undid it with a little bit of ill-discipline.

Last did agree though that the second half was much-improved, and the defensive intent in particular was something that improved.

“It’s a professional foul” – Andy Last questions controversial calls in Hull FC’s derby defeat

There was a missed moment in the second half that Last believes was controversial. After an Amir Bourouh break, Peta Hiku pulled back back rower Lennon Clark, denying him the chance to be a support player in the break. On-field official Marcus Griffiths missed that moment, and after failing to score from the break, it could be argued that the Hull FC coach can feel aggrieved.

“Quite clearly, Lenny Clark gets pulled back by Peta Hiku. Nothing happens. No penalty, no six again, no man in the sin-bin. It’s a professional foul,” the interim boss said. “Them moments, in the big games, they are key.”

Last pointed out further moments, including the inconclusive captain’s challenge and the Martin error.

“Credit to Hull KR, they’re a good side. They make it difficult for you to score points against them. They pride themselves on that D, and we made them do a lot of defensive work.

“They didn’t buckle, so you’ve got to give credit there, but there were still some key moments that definitely went against us,” he said.