Leeds Rhinos 34-10 Hull FC: Player Ratings and Talking Points

Leeds made it two wins in a row as they inflicted a seventh consecutive defeat on Hull FC.

Talking Points:

Leeds find a way to play in the rain
With the weather bad at Headingley tonight and many thought it could blunt the Leeds attack but the Rhinos showed some rare consistency tonight as they produced some brilliant attacking play despite the weather. It is a worry for teams when it gets warmer.

Hull FC have to stick by Tony Smith
Leeds fans were chanting “sacked in the morning” tonight to their current coach’s uncle and the man who ended their 32-year wait for a Grand Final in 2004. Meanwhile, recently Jon Wells suggested on Sky Sports that this was a decision the club should take but it is clear that the Black and Whites need to emulate Warrington and Daryl Powell. The Black and Whites, like the Wolves in 2022, have plenty of players off contract and are in a real stage of transition. They have to trust their coach especially with him being one of the best in Super League history.

Austin back to his best?
Many have been critical of Blake Austin’s form since his first season at Warrington Wolves. However, he might be back to his best in 2023. He produced a hat-trick of assists last week and bossed proceedings here notching a pair of assists and kicking smartly throughout. He took on more responsibilities when Aidan Sezer was forced off. He and Nene MacDonald are both concerns for Leeds.

Litten the light for Hull
It was another tough night for Hull as they lost for the seventh week in a row. However, stand in fullback Davy Litten was outstanding scoring a try and making two exceptional breaks. He was strong under the high ball in the rain as well.

Handley impressive at fullback
With Sezer’s injury we saw Ash Handley at fullback and he was a real running threat all night in the role scoring two tries. Food for thought for Rohan Smith.

Player Ratings:

1 Richie Myler – 7
4 Nene MacDonald – 7
3 Harry Newman – 7
12 Rhyse Martin – 7
5 Ash Handley – 8
6 Blake Austin – 9
7 Aidan Sezer – 6
8 Mikaloj Oledzki – 6
14 Jarrod O’Connor – 6
15 Sam Lisone – 8
19 James McDonnell – 8
10 Zane Tetevano – 6
13 Cameron Smith – 7
Substitutes
17 Justin Sangare – 6
18 Tom Holroyd – 8
23 Liam Tindall – 6
26 Corey Johnson – 6

Hull FC
25 Davy Litten – 8
5 Darnell McIntosh – 6
4 Liam Sutcliffe – 5
3 Carlos Tuimavave – 5
2 Adam Swift – 5
14 Joe Lovodua – 6
19 Ben McNamara – 6
13 Brad Fash – 6
9 Danny Houghton – 5
8 Ligi Sao – 5
23 Josh Griffin – 6
12 Jordan Lane – 5
15 Joe Cator – 5
Substitutes
20 Jack Brown – 5
33 Brad Dwyer – 5
27 Will Gardiner – 5
10 Chris Satae – 5