Hull FC have missed out on making the top six after defeat to Catalans Dragons at the MKM Stadium. Here are the major talking points from the game.
In what was an emphatic opening quarter from both sides, as they went try for try in a high-speed affair. Harvey Barron’s opener on two minutes was cancelled out by a Nick Cotric touch down. Tommy Makinson then added his 200th career try, before he turned assister and produced a brilliant piece of skill to get the ball away to Reimis Smith who scored on his last game before retirement.
Two second half tries from Guillermo Aispur0-Bichet gave the Dragons the victory, before a Lewis Martin double brought the game back into contention for the home side. However, it wouldn’t be enough to claim a victory, and their season has now come to an end.
Here are the biggest talking points from tonight’s game.
Hull FC vs Catalans Dragons talking points:
Trinity make the six
Daryl Powell will be owing Joel Tomkins a drink after Catalans’ victory over the Black and Whites. After such an underwhelming season for the Perpignan outfit, they have produced two brilliant performances in the last two weeks to throw a spanner in the works in the top six playoff battle.
Wakefield can now go into the game against Salford Red Devils tomorrow night with the knowledge that they will make the finals at the first time of asking, following their promotion back to Super League at the end of last season.
Regardless of Hull making top six or not, the improvement from the East Hull outfit has been huge in 2025. John Cartwright has transformed the side, and whilst there is still a long way to go before FC return to consistently challenging the top six, the signs are there. Signings such as Harvie Hill, Sam Lisone and Joe Batchelor will only bolster what is a developing squad full of promising youngsters.
FC wingers shine again
Harvey Barron and Lewis Martin both crossed for doubles at the MKM Stadium, as Martin retook the lead in the try scoring charts, overtaking Jai Field.
The pair now have a combined 38 tries across the season, and have both stepped up in John Cartwright’s side in 2025.
Barron’s second try was a thing of beauty, as he crossed for a long-range effort that started from a 20m restart. Tom Briscoe gave FC the early tap, before offloading to his edge partner to go the distance.
Martin then scored two tries with 20 minute left on the clock to bring the home side back within four points, and a chance at a comeback victory.
Hull FC’s academy has been highlighted in recent seasons, with the wing pair two of many talents on show tonight to have come out of the Black and Whites’ pathways.
200 up for Makinson
Tommy Makinson became only the fourth player in Super League history to reach 200 tries in the competition. Moving ahead of Paul Wellens and Keith Senior who both ended their esteemed careers on 199.
Scoring 191 of those in a St Helens shirt over 14 seasons at the club, the speedster crossed for his ninth of the season in typical Makinson fashion. Known for his acrobatic finishes, the 33-year-old once again found himself diving through the air to touch down. Despite the appeals of the Hull FC fans, video referee Chris Kendall deemed his neon boot to be in the field of play at the time of grounding, and the sublime effort was awarded.
The 2018 Golden Boot winner then produced another audacious bit of skill, as he managed to get an over-the-head pass away to centre partner Reimis Smith as he was falling into touch.
Aispuro-Bichet’s talent on show
The French seem to have made a habit of bringing through electric full backs. From Tony Gigot to Morgan Escare, Catalans now have another French fullback full of flair, as Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet’s second half double was one of many exceptional efforts the youngster has made this year.
Whilst it may not have been the season the Dragons have wanted, the emergence of this talented youngster has certainly been one of the positives. His defence will need to improve if he is to progress to that next level, but his eye for attack and impressive conversion rate from the boot put him in good stead to be a top talent.
Departing players bow out in style
Eight players who took to the field tonight will be leaving their respective clubs once the season comes to an end. Two FC players, Will Gardiner and Jordan Lane, both played their last home game at the MKM Stadium, with Lane, who will join Castleford Tigers in 2026, almost capping off his Hull career with a try, but was deemed held up.
For the Dragons, the retiring Smith was joined by Tevita Pangai Jr, Arthur Romano, Paul Seguier, Fouad Yaha and Luke Keary in making their final Catalans appearance before moving onto pastures new. Whilst Smith capped his final game with a try, Keary culminated his career with a sin bin, following a late hit on Callum Kemp.
Fans of the Black and Whites could see more of Romano next year, after rumours linking him with a move to West Hull.
