Hull FC have had to do it tough in 2024. They have been ravaged by injury and suspension to start the season and it feels like a case of one back one out at the minute for Tony Smith’s side.
They welcomed back Liam Tindall back for the game against Leigh Leopards but lost Matty Russell and Jack Walker last week and they were up against it in the clash against the Leopards with Hull FC 10-0 down after 10 minutes.
Leigh struck first thanks to a try from Umyla Hanley – his second in two games – after a lovely set pattern play. Then the Leopards attacked the other edge of the Hull FC defence with Josh Charnley finishing acrobatically in the corner.
Hull FC did hit back with a try from Tex Hoy but would go in at halftime 30-4 down. The Leopards extended their lead with a try from Ricky Leutele. He was put in space and stormed over to make it 16-4. Then Rob Mulhern powered over from close range with a powerful run near the line. Then the Leopards scored through a former Hull FC star with Ben McNamara capitalising on a Kai O’Donnell break.
Before halftime, Franklin Pele was sin binned for a late hit on Brad Dwyer and Matt Moylan nailed the subsequent penalty.
In the second half, a Jack Hughes offload led to an Oliver Holmes try as Leigh extended their lead. He would back a brace after lovely work from Zak Hardaker.
Then a superb Leutele break saw Matt Moylan capitalise and notch a deserved try. Leutele would then grab a try himself to take Leigh over 50.
Hull FC forwards questions
Credit: Imago Images
A really disappointing result for Hull FC and one that Sky Sports pundit Jon Wells was left questioning the pack and the big signings of Herman Ese’ese and Franklin Pele.
He said: “They’ve never really got a foothold in this game and I think, for large parts, this front row, and it’s a lauded front row as well for Hull FC, you’ve got your two big signings in the off-season, Herman Ese’ese and Franklin Pele on deck, and I think they’ve been largely ineffective. The starting point really is down the middle.
“They’re getting marched up field. If you start to punch some holes yourself, you give yourselves a chance, any half-back will tell you if you’ve got time and you’re on the front foot you can play. If you’re not, you’re done.”
