Toulouse Olympique head coach labelled his side’s defence as ‘heroic’ in their victory over Hull FC, the club’s first win since round two of Super League.
The Olympians had been on a seven-game losing streak but they snapped that with a performance that was full of heart at the MKM Stadium, racing into a 12-0 lead after just ten minutes and then holding firm for the remainder of the game.
Hull FC pulled one back inside the first half to make it 12-4 but that’s the score the match ended as Toulouse defended set after set in the second half, something that Houles praised as he joked that his side did everything possible to lose the game in regards errors.
“I’m very happy to get the two points, after that second half I just started to smile,” the Frenchman told Sky Sports post-match.
“I thought we did everything wrong to lose that game, but I think our defence was heroic. They worked very, very hard to stop their attack, so it’s mixed emotions but we’re so happy, and obviously we’re happy to get the two points we needed.”
Jake Connor’s World Cup chances, Brian McDermott reaction & Leeds Rhinos early title favourites – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
Toulouse Olympique’s character hailed after relentless Hull FC second-half attack
After a heavy 38-14 defeat to fellow promoted side York Knights last week, Houles made wholesale changes to his side and he got a response with the head coach confirming that improved defence was the major focus for the clash with Hull FC.
On improvements, he said: “It was starting with our defence and winning our close contact. That’s why we lost against York, and even our way of attacking, which today I wasn’t very pleased about either, except for the first 20 minutes.
“After that it was probably just a case of working hard defensively. That’s what we aimed for and winning them contacts. At York I thought they won every contact in attack and defence, and today I really wanted to win that battle. We worked hard, it paid off, and it’ll be good before the weekend off to get the two points.”
Praising his side’s character, he said: “It was not the best second half but the character that the boys showed and the way of defending our line, I’ve never seen this in Super League before from us.
“I’ve seen that in the past but today I thought the boys turned up and worked hard for each other. I think our team spirit was outstanding there, to be under so much pressure for so long against a good team in Hull, with players who know how to play rugby and how to create tries.
“I thought they tried everything, a little bit coming back on the inside and outside, kicking, everything, and we came out with the answer, so it’s great for the boys.”
A massive result for @TOXIII 👊#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/rqVHan5RH3
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 3, 2026
John Dalton
May 4, 2026 at 12:25 am
Two poor teams and abysmal entertainment.