Hull FC upset the odds in the opening round of the Super League season to beat Catalans Dragons 24-4 in Perpignan. The Black and Whites scored four tries in the game as their new signings rose to the occasion to give Hull the win they so desperately craved.
Here’s our verdict.
The match
Supporters could be seen waving flares before kick-off at but it was Hull FC who lit up the Stade Gilbert Brutus in the first half. John Cartwright’s Hull scored three first half tries to go in at the break with an 18-0 lead in the south of France.
Jordan Lane got Hull’s first as he capitalised on Catalans’ inability to deal with an early Aidan Sezer kick through the line. That was before Cade Cust marked his league debut for the club with a try following a superb break away by Lewis Martin down the left flank.
Collecting a cut out pass by Jordan Rapana, Martin put the afterburners on to race down the line before looking inside to the half-back. Cust stepped on his right foot before cutting back against the grain to touch down in the corner.
Hull found their third just before the break as Sezer took advantage of a Cesar Rouge mistake to put Tom Briscoe over the line.
Catalans found a response four minutes into the second half as Arthur Mourgue had the legs to get on the end of a Tommy Makinson kick and touch down. But, they were stunned with just over 15 minutes remaining as an Arthur Romano knock on was pounced upon by Cust, who charged 40m to touch down in the corner.
And, with just a handful of minutes remaining, Sezer put the icing on the cake with a well kicked penalty to give the Black and Whites a long overdue Super League win after such a miserable 2024 campaign.
Punishing the mistake 👊
Cade Cust races away to score his second 🔥#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/UZ6ZCwMT0W
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 14, 2025
Star man
Aidan Sezer. The signing was questioned by supporters when it was announced last year, but the half-back showed exactly why Cartwright was so keen to bring him on board. Sezer claimed two assists on the night and produced a captain’s performance on his Super League debut. Jordan Rapana, Yusuf Aydin, Cade Cust and Jordan Lane are among those who deserve a special mention, too.
Good day for
Hull FC fans. The Black and Whites faithful have had to endure some tough times over the last couple of years and while no one should be getting carried away, they deserved this performance from their side in the south of France. They can now look forward with cautious optimism.
Bad day for
Steve McNamara. Catalans have spent big to avoid another disappointing season after missing out on the play-offs last time around, but their new signings failed to shine on their Super League bow. McNamara is under a bit of pressure and with back to back away games at Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards to come, they have their work cut out over the coming weeks.
Bigger picture
It’s only one game but the result on the continent will do wonders for Hull’s confidence as they embark on a bright new era under John Cartwright. The last two years have been testing but they certainly looked the part in Perpignan.
Catalans will improve but McNamara seemingly has work to do to get his star studded side moving in the right direction.
Teams
Catalans Dragons: Arthur Mourgue; Tommy Makinson, Bayley Sironen, Arthur Romano, Nick Cotric; Luke Keary, Cesar Rouge; Chris Satae, Ben Garcia, Romain Navarrete, Tariq Sims, Elliott Whitehead, Ollie Partington.
Bench: Tevita Pangai Jr, Julian Bousquet, Alrix da Costa, Paul Seguier.
Hull FC: Jordan Rapana, Harvey Barron, Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe, Lewis Martin; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Yusuf Aydin, Jed Cartwright, Jordan Lane, John Asiata.
Bench: Jack Ashworth, Denive Balmforth, Brad Fash, Ligo Sao.
