Hull FC had a very tough start to their Super League opener against Hull KR in a feisty derby.
Before kick-off, star centre Liam Sutcliffe was pulled out of the line-up replaced by youngster Davy Litten. Then, after it looked former Leeds Rhinos teammate Jack Walker might join him as he nursed his arm, it was Joe Cator who joined him heading straight down the tunnel.
Then taking things to another level, debutant Herman Ese’ese, who is the nephew of Leeds Rhinos legend Ali Lauiti’iti, was penalised for a high tackle and sin binned for contact with the head.
Captured on Sky was the audio from referee Liam Moore revealed that he felt it wasn’t intentional which allowed him to avoid a red card.
The same wasn’t true of fellow debutant Franklin Pele who was sent off for a swinging arm.
Moore explained: “It is contact with the heard, it is direct and in our opinion it is malicious. So, that’s a red card.”
He wasn’t the last forward sent off for Hull FC. After an altercation with Matt Parcell which saw the hooker sin binned, Ligi Sao was controversially sent off to the surprise of many.
This was because he caught Parcell with a couple of shots to the head with his knee which was deemed intentional direct contact to the head.
Hull FC boss predicted a special occasion
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 25/03/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 6 – Hull FC v Leigh Leopards – MKM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England – Tony Smith.
Smith was no doubt dismayed by the start of the game from his Black and Whites but before the game he was predicting a special occasion.
He said on the club’s official website: “It’s brilliant; it’s captured everyone’s attention, and that’s the purpose of it, not just for our city but for the sport. Everyone knows the rivalry between the two teams, and everybody is expecting that we’re kicking off the season with a humdinger of a game.
“We want to play our part in that and make sure that we can go out there and do as best we can. We want to enjoy it, and it’s given us a focus.
“It would be great to get away with a win in week one, no matter who we are playing, but when it’s a derby match, of course, most of us live in the city, and that rivalry is there. You hear about it until the next time you play them, so it would be great if we could not only start the season well but also get one over our noisy neighbours.”
On the injury front, Smith added: “Cam Scott has come through really well following his knock against Wigan. He will play.
“Fashy is not so good. He’s got a little bit of ligament damage there. As to exactly how long, we’re not sure, but he won’t be available for this week. He’s had some bad news, but Cam has been training full-tilt.
“Morgan Smith will be in the squad. Whether or not he makes the team, we’ll see, but he’ll be there or thereabouts. He’s been training well and is in good shape.
“Ligi missed out last game with some heavy flu, but everybody is pretty good now,” Smith added. “A fair few of us were suffering, but we’re okay now. When the sun comes out, we all start to feel a bit better.”
This obviously got worse with the loss of Liam Sutcliffe and Joe Cator.
