What Sam Burgess said after Warrington Wolves edge past Hull FC in ‘strange game’

Warrington Wolves kept pace with Leeds Rhinos as they kept their unbeaten run at home going with a narrow win over Hull FC, and head coach Sam Burgess has now given his verdict.

Trailing 4-0 at half time, Warrington won 12-4 in the end with Josh Smith scoring a brace, the latter of which came in the 79th minute to offer great relief around the Halliwell Jones Stadium after what had been a difficult 78 minutes.

“It was a very strange game to be a part of,” Burgess told Sky Sports post-match in his initial reaction.

Part of that strangeness started before kick-off with the spine reshuffled as Ewan Irwin pulled out through illness whilst stand-in full-back Josh Thewlis also dropped out late in the week.

Confirming that, Burgess explained: “We’ve had a lot of change. Josh Thewlis pulled out yesterday, Ewan pulled out this morning, so Leon (Hayes) had to play on the right, he’s not trained there all week.

“Sneydy (Marc Sneyd) came in, he’s not trained all week. Lachlan Webster came in yesterday, so I knew it was going to be ugly.

“I was very happy with our defensive spirit, I thought we showed up for each other, and effectively, it won us the game, so I’m happy with that.”

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Warrington Wolves need to fix up before tougher tests, admits Burgess

It means Warrington Wolves keep pace with Leeds Rhinos, who they play in two week’s time with St Helens next up for the Wire, and when asked about those games, Burgess was clear that his side must improve.

A prickly Burgess said: “Everyone can see we need to fix up but the spine that played tonight, we’ve not trained together all week, it’s been a bit of a mess of a week.

“I was very nervous before the game, to be totally honest, so I’m very happy that we were tough enough to get the win.

“I thought there’s every excuse in the book to lose tonight, and we found a way to win, so I’m happy with that.”

The win ensured that Warrington keep up their unbeaten streak at home, something Burgess said the side have embraced.

“I think it’s been enjoyable playing at the Halliwell Jones this year. The players have really embraced it. There’s a long way to go for us as well and some other great contests here but we really enjoyed being here.

“There was a great atmosphere tonight, I thought Hull were very good as well. They’re down and out as well with numbers and injuries and everything like that.

“As strange as it now was, I thought the contest was weirdly enjoyable.”

.@WarringtonRLFC win a tough encounter 🐺#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/q2dGi62QPw

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 5, 2026