Super League

Huddersfield Giants 19-12 Hull FC. Highlights, talking points and player ratings

by
Louis Chapman-Coombe
July 27, 2023

Huddersfield Giants continued their impressive form of late as they downed Hull FC 19-12 at the John Smiths Stadium.

Tries from Jermaine McGillvary, Tui Lolohea and Chris McQueen were enough to edge passed the Airlie Birds and secure their third win on the spin.

Highlights:

Giants make the brighter start

Huddersfield had the better of the opening exchanges. Chris Hill and Leroy Cudjoe were able to break through the Hull line, and they pinned the Airlie Birds deep in their own half; however they couldn’t convert their early dominance into points.

Connor early magic

Jake Connor would have been excused for feeling the nerves ahead of facing his former employers, but the full-back started brightly, and played a crucial part in the Giants first try. He nailed a 40/20 to give the Giants a great chance and he provided the crucial pass to put the in-form Jermaine McGillvary in for his 249th try.

Hull hit back quickly

Hull FC weren’t behind for long, as Adam Swift pulled them level. A half break from Jake Clifford helped create the chance, as the departing half-back was able to get the ball out and offload to create the chance for Swift, who scampered in for his side’s first of the evening.

Hull FC get their second

The Swift try started a dominant 10 minute period for the Airlie Birds. They came close to a second again through a Jake Clifford offload as Ligi Sao ate up meters, however the eventually crossed the line through Brad Fash. Jake Trueman, not to be outdone by his half-back partner Clifford, carved through the Giants defensive line and connected with Fash to give Hull the lead.

Tui Lolohea responds for the Giants

Huddersfield needed a response, and boy did they get it as Tui Lolohea scored the Giants second try of the evening. His half-back partner Oliver Russel put up a chip kick, which caused chaos in the backfield, and Lolohea reacted quickest as he pounced on the ball to score.

Giants lack clinical edge

Huddersfield dominated the opening 25 minutes of the second half, however they were unable to take the chances presented to them. Loose passes, sloppy hands and poor kicks led to the Giants missing valuable opportunities to make their dominance count.

Huddersfield finally get the breakthrough

They had been threatening all half, but Huddersfield finally crossed the whitewash as Chris McQueen reinstated their lead. The powerful forward came steaming onto an inch perfect pass from Chris Hill to break through the stubborn Hull FC defence and slide over for his side’s third of the evening.

Russel takes the one

A rarity in the game, but Oliver Russel decided to chance his luck for the one pointer, which he slotted with ease. This proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Hull, as the Giants saw out the remainder of the game.

Talking Points:

A nip and tuck first half

The opening 40 minutes was incredibly even. As soon as one team would get the upper hand, the other would retaliate, and it made for a fascinating watch. The Giants had the better of possession and territory, but Hull FC took their chances well.

Giants dominate second 40

After a really even first half, the home side dominated play in the second half. They had plenty of chances, and could have scored a handful of tries, however they were still clinical enough to secure the two points.

Huddersfield’s resurgence continues

It was looking pretty bleak for the Giants a few weeks ago; however they have now really turned a corner. This result is their third win on the spin, and it not only puts more breathing room between themselves and Castleford Tigers, they are now only two points behind their opponents tonight. Could they start a late charge for the top six?

Player Ratings:

Huddersfield Giants

1- Jake Connor-8

24- Sam Halsall-7

5- Jake Bibby-6

4- Kevin Naiqama-6

2- Jermanie McGillvary-6

23- Olly Russell-7

6- Tui Lolohea-8

8- Chris Hill-9

35- Adam Milner-6

20- Olly Wilson-6