Hull FC backed up their opening weekend win with a professional and comprehensive victory over Salford. Hull again impressed with ball in hand as their spine masterfully pulled the Red Devils apart. However, they defended aggressively from the word go and look like real challengers in 2021.
Major Talking Points:
1. Jake Connor for Man of Steel
Two weeks into Super League, few men have been as good as Connor. I said before the season started that he is perhaps the most talented player in the league but needed to find the right position. Well, he seems to have found it at fullback this campaign. He’s at the hub of everything and is more than a creative spark in a superb Hull side.
2. Concerning number of injuries in Super League
Already we’ve seen plenty of sides suffering with wide spread injuries. Leeds Rhinos are missing almost their entire backline meanwhile Wigan Warriors are struggling for backs as well. Huddersfield were also without some key men last week. And today, Hull and Salford both lost key players. Salford lost the brilliant Elijah Taylor to a worrying shoulder injury and Dan Sarginson was also forced off. Hull lost dynamic halfbacks Josh Reynolds and Marc Sneyd leaving Hull supporters sweating over their fitness. It’s concerning how many players are getting injured in the early stages of the season.
3. Should St Helens be worried?
Hull have been the best performers so far this season. They’ve not been perfect but they’ve been brilliant to watch with ball in hand as well as strong in defence. There are plenty of teams aiming for St Helens’ crown but Hull perhaps look the closest to the reigning Champions. The professional nature of their first two performances should be making the Saints sweat.
Player Ratings:
Salford Red Devils
23. Dan Sarginson – 6
2. Ken Sio – 7
3. Kallum Watkins – 6
19. Elliot Kear – 7
22. Rhys Williams – 7
6. Tui Lolohea – 7
7. Kevin Brown – 5
8. Lee Mossop – 6
11. Ryan Lannon – 5
13. Elijah Taylor – 7
Substitutes
17. Josh Johnson – 6
26. Jack Wells – 6
25. Jack Ormonroyd – 5
29. Dec Patton – 5
Hull FC
1. Jake Connor – 9
5. Mahe Fonua – 6
3. Carlos Tuimavave – 7
4. Josh Griffin – 8
21. Adam Swift – 8
6. Josh Reynolds – 9
7. Marc Sneyd – 8
13. Ligi Sao – 7
9. Danny Houghton – 7
10. Chris Satae – 7
11. Andre Savelio – 8
12. Manu Ma’u – 8
16. Jordan Lane – 8
Substitutes
15. Joe Cator – 8
17. Brad Fash – 6
24. Cameron Scott – 7
8. Scott Taylor – 8
