“Why?” – Jon Wilkin rages at Hull FC star

They say form goes out the window in derby games and Hull FC were desperate for that to be the case after a rough start to the 2024 Super League season as they headed over to rivals Hull KR and Craven Park.

The Black and Whites started the season with a disappointing nilling at the hands of Hull KR and since then have struggled, due in part to injuries and suspensions, to get a foothold into the season. They had only won one game in the first five games only being able to defeat London Broncos thanks to a last minute try. As for Hull KR they had only lost twice to Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils.

So, it was the perfect chance for Hull FC to give their season a springboard whilst for Hull KR it was an opportunity to stamp their authority over the city.

Hull FC were hoping for a big restart to their season but in the first half their hopes were emphatically extinguished. A great bit of play between Tyrone May and Mikey Lewis saw Hull KR break down field with Niall Evalds on hand to score. This sparked a brilliant display from Evalds.

His delightful pass would pave the way for Joe Burgess to make it 8-0 before he dummied through on a kick return prior to teeing up Mikey Lewis to score a sensational try.

Evalds kept causing problems with an inside ball for Peta Hiku as he tore through the heart of the Hull FC defence and teed up James Batchelor to score. That made it 16-0 and at this stage it was only the fact Jez Litten had failed to nail a goal that meant Hull KR weren’t out of sight but they soon would be.

Tries for Peta Hiku and Joe Burgess, both converted by Litten who shook off his goalkicking problems to fire Hull KR 28-0 ahead.

To Hull FC’s credit they battled back with two tries from Jayden Okunbor and Cameron Scott.

Hull KR eventually wrestled back control of the game and scored a rampant try by Kelepi Tanginoa.

Jon Wilkin not impressed by Hull FC star

Hull FC were by far a much improved side in the second half and really should have scored another try when a lovely move saw the kick stabbed towards Darnell McIntosh.

However, the former Huddersfield Giants star dropped the ball with the line at his mercy as he held the ball in one hand.

Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin was not impressed by this at all. He accused McIntosh of “showboating” as he said:

“Why you putting the ball in one hand? Why are you doing that? It’s showboating for me so why are you showboating in a game that you have been handsomely beaten in. I don’t see the reason. Get the ball in two hands, get over the line and score it. It’s not a headline grabbing try.”