Last night, a dominant second half from Hull FC carried them to victory against a different looking Castleford side. The Tigers were unable to back up after a brilliant semi-final showing against Warrington whilst Hull got back on track after defeat to St Helens in the semis last week. At least that was my view but how did social media see it.
Let’s start where the game started with a spectacular try from debutant Jason Qareqare. It was a classic try which the young winger won’t forget quickly and neither will twitter.
Jason QareQare – so good they named him twice. That’s not a debut he’s going to forget quickly. 17, what a farking good start.
— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson) June 10, 2021
Really happy for the young lad QareQare, what a try on debut. Great to see how much it meant to him after as well.
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— Bradley Asquith (@BradAsquith7) June 10, 2021
Jason Qareqare has had Jake Connor's pants down! #GaryGary 🔥
— Gavin Wilson (@GavWilson) June 10, 2021
QareQare!!! Remember that name!! Take a bow lad that’s absolutely class 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 fuckin love it!
— Omar Alrawi (@O_Alrawi02) June 10, 2021
But in the end, it was Hull backs who made the difference. Mahe Fonua was particularly impressive filling in at centre for the injured Josh Griffin.
No stopping Fonua from there
— Lewis (@LewisMcLoughlin) June 10, 2021
Don't ever play Fonua on the wing again. Centre all day long.
— Smiggs (@RockfordFld) June 10, 2021
His potency led some Cas fans to question their defence, however.
Is Sene-Lefoa spent more time defending & less time trying to do the referees job he may have been able to get a grip of Fonua at some point.
— Karl Bradley (@Manface_5000) June 10, 2021
Fonua’s partner on the left, Adam Swift, was equally impressive. Like Fonua he also grabbed a pair of tries.
Adam Swift having a stormer of a season.
— Scott Crossland (@ScottCrossland7) June 10, 2021
Said when he joined last year he'd be a shrewd signing and after the injury issues he had Adam Swift is showing what a talent he is ⚫⚪ #OldFaithful #COYH #BlackandWhiteArmy #SLCasHul
— Paul Garnett (@Peeg87) June 10, 2021
Many people pointed to Jake Connor as well. The fullback was involved in every facet of the game and was his usual cheeky self as he sealed the deal with a late try.
Jake Connor kicking a 40/20, scoring a try off the next set then converting it because the regular kicker is off the pitch is pretty bad-ass, I have to admit. #SuperLeague #casvhull
— Death Row Rugby League (@mors_carcerem) June 10, 2021
Hi @adampearsonhfc , please sort out a 5 year Jake Connor deal. I’ll even donate to the cause :). Thanks
— tom (@TypicalBeazo) June 10, 2021
Jake Connor MOM tonight for me. Great player when he stays professional
— Dennis the Maverick (@denfazzer) June 10, 2021
It was a fiery second half largely down to Josh Reynolds.
I’m not a Cas fan but Josh Reynolds should’ve been sin binned for an intentional attack to the head, and last try was not one. How has he control & downward pressure? #rugbyleague #SLCasHul
— Jeremy Burrows (@JezDons) June 10, 2021
Reckon Josh Reynolds is quickly becoming the new Jake Connor the TIT.
— Dave ralph🙃 (@RalphDaveralph) June 10, 2021
However some were quick to praise the player who was heavily involved in the second half.
If you don't like watching players like Josh Reynolds your watching the wrong sport.
— Chaz (@charliegillies0) June 10, 2021
It was a difficult night for the Tigers in the end especially for talisman Paul McShane who appeared to limping for much of the game. Many suggested he should’ve been protected ahead of the Challenge Cup Final.
Don't understand Daryl Powell's obsession with keeping Paul Mcshane on the field when he's clearly limping. Get him wrapped up in cotton wool for the CC final man.
— Bradley Asquith (@BradAsquith7) June 10, 2021
Not only was McShane limping but he also faced some interesting treatment from the crowd.
Lifetime ban for the fan who thinks he's hilarious shouting "baldy" comments every time McShane gets near a PTB. It's not gotten any funnier over 75 minutes #SLCasHul
— Mark (@wilko2205) June 10, 2021