Hull FC labelled ‘Championship level’ as player passion questioned

In the battle at the bottom of Super League, Hull FC fell to an embarrassing defeat against London Broncos in the first game of Magic Weekend. Their performance has now been scrutinised with the Black and Whites labelled as ‘Championship level’.

It’s a huge criticism to aim at Hull FC but on the basis of their performance today and across the 2024 season, it’s not one that is wholly unjust.

The only thing that separates Hull FC from the bottom of the Super League table is points difference but London took a huge chunk out of that advantage today as they won 29-4 at Elland Road.

Fortunately for Simon Grix’s side, they will not be relegated even if they do finish at the foot of the table due to their IMG grading with all Grade A sides guaranteed a place in Super League.

However, their on-field output has certainly not been at that level and that’s led to today’s criticism from both head coach Simon Grix, who described the game as ‘unworthy of Super League level’, and Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin.

Hull FC ‘not a top Championship side’ claims Wilkin

After Simon Grix gave his verdict to Sky Sports where he described the game as Championship quality, Jon Wilkin agreed as he tore into the Black and Whites.

The ex-Saints skipper argued: “He’s absolutely right. They are a Championship-level team and maybe not at the top of the Championship either but maybe only one of the top two or three teams.

“That’s Hull FC. It’s crazy. They’re getting John Cartwright and I’m all about positivity for the future but he’s got one hell of a job to come in and turn that into something good.”

Whilst Cartwright and Hull FC will be in Super League in 2025, London Broncos most likely will not be barring any major change to the IMG rulings. Despite that, they’ve managed to win two of their last three games in what has been a brutal season and Wilkin applauded that togetherness and effort.

“This is what this means to London. They are relegated and they’re out of the competition, but they’re playing with hope and joy, and they care for each other. You just wish you’d seen from the other side but you just didn’t.

“Just a word on London, none of their players have known where they’re going to be next year. The coach doesn’t know where they’re going to be in Super League next year. To perform and even get results in those circumstances, it is quite special actually.”

London Broncos have seen Bill Leyland sign with Hull KR and it’s now reported that half-back Ollie Leyland will join Warrington Wolves, with the team already being torn apart ahead of their imminent relegation.