Hull FC claimed their first Super League win of the season as they edged out a threatening and game Bradford Bulls side 27-20 at the MKM Stadium.
Here’s our talking points.
Hull blushes spared
The Black and Whites were made to work for it, but they finally managed to get the job done in the final few minutes and claim their first win of the new season. John Cartwright’s side flattered to deceive for large periods but so much credit has to go to Bradford for taking the game to Hull.
The Bulls played a bold and ambitious brand of rugby and through their attacking shape and dynamism, they had Hull rocking. They scored scored three tries on the night, too, with Waqa Blake giving them an early lead before former Hull man Connor Wynne touched down once in either half.
And, through the boot of Rowan Milnes, they led going into the final 15 minutes. Hull pulled themselves level through a Will Pryce penalty and the full-back slotted the one-point to see the home side edge themselves back in front with just a few minutes remaining.
That was before Cade Cust drove himself over the line with less than three minutes remaining to spare FC’s embarrassment and consign Bradford to defeat.
Superb Bradford
As mentioned above, Bradford deserve so much credit for the way they performed at the MKM Stadium. They were clunky at times, but they played some scintillating stuff at times, too and really took the game to the Black and Whites
Carry that level of performance through the 2026 season and Kurt Haggerty’s side will pick up plenty of points, of that there is no doubt.
Their biggest area of success came on the left edge, with Zac Fulton, Blake and Wynne combining well and targeting the young Callum Kemp to find real success.
Statement made from the Bulls.
Asiata critical
Hull FC need John Asiata back as soon as possible. The Black and Whites were excellent in moments with Will Pryce having a say in everything they did well, but their attacking shape and structure was non-existent at times as they missed the presence of Asiata dearly.
When the loose-forward is due to return to the fold is hard to say, with Cartwright being non-committal when asked about the vice-captain’s fitness, but for Hull it’s a case of the sooner, the better.
Jake Arthur will likely turn out to be key cog in Hull’s attack, too, but he was missing with a hamstring injury of his own.
Injury concerns
The Bulls didn’t leave the MKM Stadium without an injury concern or two, with Jayden Okunbor and Dan Russell picking up issues.
Okunbor will have wanted to impress on his return to East Yorkshire, but he had to be helped from the field after clattering into Lewis Martin inside the first few minutes.
Russell left the field in the second half after appearing to land awkwardly on his leg in a tackle.
Promoted teams coming to compete
York Knights and Bradford Bulls have done themselves extremely proud stepping into Super League with two fantastic performances. York managed to pull off one of the biggest shocks we’ve ever seen in the competition by beating treble winners Hull KR on Thursday night, of course.
But Bradford were just as impressive on Saturday night, though, and they had a lot of Hull fans sitting uncomfortably for a large period of the contest.
Over to you, Toulouse Olympique, who take on Wakefield Trinity this evening.
