Hull FC boss questions critical referee call in last gasp defeat at Leeds Rhinos

Hull FC boss John Cartwright has commented on a crucial moment in his side’s last-gasp 18-16 loss at Leeds Rhinos.

The visitors were leading by two points inside the final few minutes when referee Jack Smith ruled a knock-on by Leeds’ veteran forward Kallum Watkins.

Rhinos captain Ash Handley challenged the call, the decision was overturned by video official Liam Moore and ex-Hull KR winger Ryan Hall scored the winning try in the resulting set.

Asked in his post-match press conference about that incident, Cartwright said: “He called a knock-on and I didn’t see evidence to say it wasn’t a knock-on, so I don’t know. I’ll be interested to hear what he has got to say.”

Despite the result, Cartwright saw some positives from his side’s performance.

The Black and Whites led 10-0 in the first half and 16-4 soon after the break and he noted: “I thought the most pleasing thing was the discipline, we found a really good balance between being aggressive and maintaining our discipline.

“They were tested in particular in the last few minutes with that and I thought they held themselves together, as we did for the whole 80.

“That has got to be your benchmark if you want to compete against anyone in this competition.

“It was a much better all round performance, we took risks when we had to, we didn’t when we had to and it was a much more complete performance, but that has got to be a weekly thing.

“Maybe we could have snuck over the line in the second half when we had a bit of possession on their line.

“They are a very good defensive side and I thought we challenged them; in the end, I just thought a couple of calls went against us and that was the difference in the game.”

Hull FC boss gives injury update

Hull’s second try was scored by on-loan Wigan Warriors forward Sam Eseh and Cartwright said: “He is getting better every week. He had probably the most game time since he has been with us and I thought he was really good.”

Another bonus was forward Brad Fash’s return from injury off the substitutes’ bench.

“He didn’t get long, he is going to need more minutes,” Cartwright reflected.

“Anyone we can get back in the back-row is handy. We don’t have anyone else coming back at the moment – Jed [Cartwright] is hopefully two or three weeks away and Jordan Lane is a bit longer.”