Going into yesterday’s game between Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC, they were both battling with Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils for a play-off spot.
It was a must win game for both clubs who have both had disappointing seasons to this stage.
They were put under more pressure with Hull KR and Warrington winning which meant the loser would be six points behind.
With Hull FC losing, fans weren’t happy calling it “season over.”
That’s FC’s season over and done with.
— Andy scott (@Andy24scott) September 2, 2023
Another wanted big changes to the squad.
Thank the lord only one more came to sit through, carrying too much dead weight, some going ain’t interested anymore
— Joe Bullivant 🎗 (@JoeBullivant) September 2, 2023
One questioned whether it was any better than in previous seasons.
We wasn’t this bad under brett hodgson
— Dave (@DaveNinth) September 2, 2023
Whilst another called it “embarrassing.”
Embarrassing
— Steve Smith (@SteveSm82063451) September 2, 2023
Meanwhile, questions were even asked about Tony Smith despite this being the start of a project.
Taxi for Smith
— Verifried (@SidneySyrup) September 2, 2023
“Piss poor” was how one fan described it.
Piss poor.
— Smiggs (@RockfordFld) September 2, 2023
And the questions about Smith continued.
Hope West Hull’s single-storied budgie free Boyes has got plenty of bedsheets in for the “Smith Out” sheets to be displayed at the next game https://t.co/WtaDdAfosv
— James Purling (@Jahmez_HKR) September 2, 2023
Hull started the better as you might expect but Leeds defended well and Andre Savelio was perhaps guilty of overplaying at one point.
Leeds then struck first with a kick over the top with Luke Hooley on hand to score and make it 4-0.
Rhyse Martin would soon add a penalty to make it 6-0 to the Rhinos.
In a season of inconsistencies for Hull, one consistent has been the try scoring form of Adam Swift who scored again to make it 6-4 with Jake Clifford missing the effort at goal.
Leeds were the side who finished the half stronger with Sam Lisone maintaining his great form lately with his first two Leeds tries.
He barged over off an offload to make it 12-4 and it was 18-4 after he powered over from close range just before the break.
Straight after the break a Hull FC error led to a David Fusitu’a try to make it 22-4.
Hull FC needed a response and they got one when Barron went over in the corner despite an attempted tackle from Derrell Olpherts.
They were even closer when Cam Scott scored a try that needed a long debate from the officials to determine that it should be awarded.
Hull were turning up the heat and Leeds needed more good defence and the hand of Derrell Olpherts to stop Hull from scoring.
Clifford’s missed goals meant that they trailed 22-12 and needed to score in this period especially with Lisone crossing for a stunning hat trick storming through from 20 out and wrong footing the fullback to make it 28-12.
A devastating defeat for Hull FC that all but ends their season and their chances of making the play offs.
For Leeds their chances of making the play offs are still alive.
