“It could have been a different result“ – Hodgson regrets missed chances

Hull FC Head Coach Brett Hodgson claimed his side’s performance was “better than Thursday” despite the fact his team lost 42-10 to St Helens.

Hodgson saw his side go down to a third consecutive Super League defeat for the first time during his reign but admitted it was a better performance than it was against the Leeds Rhinos last Thursday, despite a heavier loss.

He said, “The score line was tough to take, no doubt about that. I thought it was a more likable performance tonight than it was on Thursday.

“I thought for 55 minutes we were well in the contest. We are still working on being a bit more clinical offensively and had Bureta scored that try in the corner, it could have been a different result.

“Maybe not necessarily a win but a lot closer than what it was so I am disappointed but certainly a lot to like about that performance.”

However, despite feeling positive about the effort from his side, Hodgson bemoaned their lack of discipline throughout the contest.

Hull clawed back to a 10-16 deficit after trailing 16-0 at one stage and looked set to stage a miraculous comeback.

However, any hopes of stunning the champions were dashed when both Jordan Johnstone and Ligi Sao were sin-binned before Saints rallied and scored a further 26 points without reply.

Having his say on the remainder of the match, Hodgson said, “Our discipline cost us tonight. We were not strong enough. Having 12 men against a formidable St Helens team is always going to hurt.

“I was definitely disappointed with the last 25 minutes after conceding as many points as we did but again, I would rather focus on that first 55 minutes.

“It is only small margins in this game that can create what I want to achieve here and we will keep working hard to make sure get that.”