Hull FC 23-22 Hull KR: Player ratings and major talking points

In arguably the game of the season so far, Hull FC had just enough to claim the local bragging rights against their rivals Hull KR. It was an end-to-end and exhilarating battle of attrition full of physicality and skill. But ultimately, Hull FC claimed a vital win to give their play-off hopes a huge boost.

Major Talking Points:

1. Connor’s extra dimension

In recent weeks, Hull FC have struggled in attack and that’s been at the centre of their poor form of late. But Jake Connor’s return totally changed things today. He has every skill in the book and caused the opposition endless problems throughout the game. Marc Sneyd may have been the game winner, but Connor’s slight of have hand was the key to plenty of their tries. The sharpness he offered in attack allowed the Black and Whites to match the free scoring Rovers blow for blow and that was always going to be vital.

2. Robins lacking composure

I’ve spent the last few weeks rightly praising Hull KR, but to be successful you’ve also got to acknowledge your shortcomings. Today, Hull KR perhaps lacked composure in the biggest game of their season so far and that’s something they need to learn from. If there’s one thing I didn’t expect today, it was Hull FC being more clinical in attack than the Rovers. Hull KR have been averaging a try every 8 play-the-balls in the opposition 20 going this season and yet, despite plenty of pressure, didn’t have the same cutting edge we usually see. They missed Jordan Abdull of course, but it’s important, if they want to seriously compete this year, that they learn from today.

3. Video referee plays leading role

Is it a Hull derby if there’s no controversy? I’d argue not. Today, a number of tries were chalked off by the video referee. All of them were perhaps the correct decision but many of them also appeared a little harsh. It once again brings into question the current system adopted by the video referee especially when you consider Hull’s first disallowed try. In the past or presently in Australia, I feel like that try would have been awarded.

Player Ratings:

Hull FC
1 Jake Connor – 9
2 Bureta Faraimo – 8
3 Carlos Tuimavave – 8
24 Cameron Scott – 7
21 Adam Swift – 7
6 Josh Reynolds – 7
7 Marc Sneyd – 9
13 Ligi Sao – 8
9 Danny Houghton – 7
17 Brad Fash – 6
11 Andre Savelio – 6
12 Manu Ma’u – 8
16 Jordan Lane – 8
Substitutes
8 Scott Taylor – 6
15 Joe Cator – 6
20 Jack Brown – 6
29 Jamie Shaul – 7

Hull KR
2 Ben Crooks – 7
33 Kimmy Keinhorst – 7
3 Greg Minikin – 7
4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall – 6
5 Ryan Hall – 6
11 Brad Takairangi – 8
25 Rowan Milnes – 8
8 Albert Vete – 6
9 Matt Parcell – 8
16 George King – 7
12 Kane Linnett – 7
27 Luis Johnson – 7
15 George Lawler – 7
Substitutes
10 Korbin Sims – 6
14 Jez Litten – 7
18 Matty Storton – 6
26 Will Maher – 6