Hull FC 0-22 Hull KR: Player Ratings

What a way for the 2024 Betfred Super League to start with a Hull derby as Hull FC hosted Hull KR in front of a bumper crowd.

The Black and Whites had a few wrongs to right especially when it comes to home games against the Robins in recent times. In 2022, they lost to a 16-man Hull KR team to end the season at home before in 2023 they were thrashed on Good Friday as the Robins notched a statement victory.

They also missed out on the play-offs for the third year in a row as Hull KR finished fourth, made it to Wembley and reached the Super League semi-finals.

Thus, there was even more riding on this derby than usual. In the end, it was a tough night for Hull FC as they were again beaten by the Robins and were error strewn and ill-disciplined.

Hull FC Player Ratings

Jack Walker – 5: Took a tough shot early on which winded him but was generally error-free in the first half. That changed in the second half. He was gutsy and went off with a knock.

Darnell McIntosh – 5: Had little involvement in a game not made for wingers.

Cameron Scott – 6: Brilliant goal-line tackle on Ryan Hall was marred by him ripping the ball out to give away a silly penalty.

Davey Litten – 6: Somewhat at fault for the opening try but thrown in late as 18th man and it was an incredibly tough offload to defend.

Lewis Martin – 6: Carried strong and looked one of the bright sparks. Showed his commitment to the end.

Morgan Smith – 5: Kicked out on the full and couldn’t get anything going. Caught out for the Kelepi Tanginoa try and made a couple of errors. A tough night for the young halfback.

Fa’amanu Brown – 5: Always trying to make something happen, but perhaps overplayed at times.

Herman Ese’ese – 5: Early yellow card for a high shot on Peta Hiku but he wasn’t the only FC forward to be ill-disciplined.

Danny Houghton – 6: Industrious as ever and was one of FC’s best performers for what it’s worth. Went off injured.

Franklin Pele – 4: Huge carry on the opening kick-off but ill-discipline mounted up to his red card for a horrific swinging arm on Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella.

Jayden Okunbor – 5: Another of the NRL debutants who struggled with discipline but did carry very strongly. Was caught out for Mikey Lewis’ try.

Ligi Sao – 5: His only major involvement in the first half was when he got involved with handbags. Kept busy in the second half. Was controversially sent off for direct contact to the head.

Joe Cator – 5: Left the field early due to a hamstring injury.

Interchanges:

Jack Ashworth – 6: One of those who showed genuine intent but a knock-on during FC’s only first-half territory summed up the whole team’s performance.

Jack Brown – 5: Came on when the game was slipping away. Had to fight a losing battle.

Tex Hoy – 5: Pretty much the same as above. Not a game for him.

Jordan Lane – 5: Again came on for a beaten side.

Hull KR Player Ratings

Peta Hiku – 7: Shakey with his early kicks and defensive play but looks set to be a key playmaker. Needs to improve his goal kicking.

Niall Evalds – 7: Try on debut and did as asked of him. Looked threatening throughout including when he scored his second to wrap up the win.

Tom Opacic – 7: Brilliant offload to set up Evalds’ opener.

Oliver Gildart – 7: Looks to be creating a strong connection with veteran Ryan Hall.

Ryan Hall – 7: Brilliant under the high ball but was flagged for an incorrect play the ball in the first half. Was his usual self in the game.

Tyrone May – 8: Flattened on the opening play but seemed to be the main orchestrator. Looked dangerous every time with the ball in his hand.

Mikey Lewis – 9: Performed as his usual maverick self which saw him dart and scurry over to bag himself a try. Assisted two other tries and was superb in the seven shirt.

Dean Hadley – 7: Reliable performance as ever from Mr Consistent.

Jez Litten – 8: Strong showing as he takes the number nine shirt for the 2024 season.

Jai Whitbread – 7: Some handling errors but KR have got themselves a powerhouse forward.

Kelepi Tanginoa – 8: Brilliant line-running from the ex-Wakefield man and it resulted in a debut try.

James Batchelor – 7: Industrious as always in both defence and attack.

Elliot Minchella – 7: A captain’s performance and managed to keep his cool when struck by Pele. Was key when moving the ball too.

Interchanges:

Sauaso Sue – 7: More big carries from the big man.

George King – 7: Reliable, hard-running and always gaining metres after contact.

Matt Parcell – 8: Made a real impact running out of dummyhalf and took his try well. Disappointing sin bin.

Yusuf Aydin – 7: Kept things ticking over.