John Asiata impact, Ryan Hall decision, discipline and Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos talking points

Hull FC picked up their first win since round one as they beat Leeds Rhinos 24-16 at the MKM Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s our talking points.

Hull turning a corner?

The Black and Whites were big underdogs coming into this one and deservedly so. John Cartwright’s side started the season poorly and failed to show many reasons for optimism in losses to Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Leopards.

However, Hull were the better side from the off against Leeds, with the Rhinos struggling to maintain their discipline and although the visitors kicked the first points of the game, Hull scored the first try through Jake Arthur, who put James Bell through the line before getting himself on the end of the break.

FC were motoring and with their tails up, they got themselves over again. This time Amir Bourouh was the architect, scooting around the ruck before putting Ligi Sao over the line.

That’s when momentum swung and with Hull’s discipline deserting them, Leeds found the opportunity to level things up with two identical tries, with second phase kicks into the in-goal leading to James McDonnell and Brodie Croft. Jake Connor kicked Leeds in front just before the break.

But, the second half was all Hull, with Zak Hardaker kicking two penalties before Davy Litten got himself on the scoresheet by getting himself on the end of a deft John Asiata grubber.

It was the win Hull deserved and Cartwright will be hoping his side can start to build some momentum now as the Good Friday derby approaches on the horizon.

Discipline

Liam Moore had a busy afternoon in the middle of the park with the referee giving plenty of six agains for both sides on the day. Neither Cartwright nor Brad Arthur will be happy with their respective sides’ discipline, and ultimately cost Leeds dear as they struggled to find the momentum needed to claw themselves back into the contest in the second half.

There could be a couple of issues for both sides on Monday, too, when the Match Review Panel review the footage. Debutant Jack Bird could be looking at a striking charge for lashing out late on, but that was only after taking a knee to the head on the ground from Harvie Hill. Ligi Sao could be sweating as well after a high hit.

Battle of the Arthurs

This was the second time Arthur has coached against his son, having picked up the win over the half-back while coaching Parramatta Eels down under. Jake got his revenge this time around, though, and he probably had his best game for Hull, too.

Not only did he score FC’s opening try, he helped to set it up, he kicked relatively well and got his side moving up the field with some tidy play. There’s room for improvement from the half, who has struggled to find his feet in Super League so far, but that’s a step forward or him.

Asiata impact

As mentioned above, Hull have flattered to deceive so far this season, especially in the opening rounds when the absence of John Asiata was telling. He’s taken a few weeks to find form after returning, too, but the loose-forward was at his best against the Rhinos with a man of the match worthy performance.

It was his kick that set up Litten in the second half and that just capped off a performance that saw him take control, dictate play and lead from the front. He did his bit through the middle, too, playing huge minutes and putting his nose to the grindstone.

Ryan Hall decision 

Hall was the notable omission when the team news came through 90 minutes before kick-off, with Chris Hankinson named on the right wing. Speaking after the game, Brad Arthur confirmed the winger had been left out due to having an injection in his knee to treat an injury.