This was dubbed the most pointless Hull derby in over a decade by, of all people, the Hull KR chairman, Neil Hudgell – but even so it felt like a night where there would be plenty of lessons to learn about both these sides: and so it proved.
Despite the fact they both already knew their upcoming direction in the Super 8s, this also emphasised what each can achieve over the next two months. For the hosts, who have now lost four games in succession, the play-offs look more unlikely than they have at any stage before this year.
Realistically they must now win four games more than Warrington or Castleford in the final seven games to stand any sort of chance. On current form, that is unlikely. “We’ve got a lot of work to do,” their coach, Lee Radford, conceded.
For Hull KR, had they discovered this sort of form a week or two earlier, they could easily be planning to meet Hull again in the Super 8s rather than preparing for the Qualifiers. This is now four victories in five games – not to mention a first derby win in eight meetings with Hull to boot.
The Qualifiers bring a lot of uncertainty, as Hull KR know well; they were relegated in 2016. However, with several players set to return for the start of the Super 8s, if they keep this form up, they should be a much safer bet to survive this year.
Even more encouraging for Hull KR was the performance of their recruits. Ben Crooks and Craig Hall both made their debuts after joining from financially-stricken Leigh in the hours before kick-off – with Todd Carney also playing for the first time – and the duo caught the eye of their coach.
“Neither trained with us before but were great,” Tim Sheens said. “I only met Crooksie today, before we got on the bus. We only gave him his training gear at the hotel.” It was Hall’s two tries, coupled with a penalty on half-time, which helped Rovers into a 16-0 lead that their play fully merited, Danny Tickle their other try-scorer.
To Hull’s credit, they fought back impressively to level at 16-16 courtesy of tries by Jordan Abdull, Josh Griffin and Mark Minichiello. At that stage they were perhaps favourites – but an error from the kick-off following Minichiello’s try afforded the visitors the chance to go back ahead via the boot of Tickle.
That settled Rovers and after Marc Sneyd spurned the chance to level the scores with a penalty of his own, Tickle settled Hull KR’s nerves once and for all with another penalty three minutes from time.
Hull are sixth as a result of this defeat, with Huddersfield moving into fifth after continuing their fine run of form with victory over Wakefield. Wigan secured second place for the Super 8s with a 25-20 victory over Catalans – while Leeds were beaten by Salford in the night’s other game.
Hull FC: Shaul; Faraimo, Griffin, Tuimavave, Talanoa; Abdull, Sneyd; Taylor, Houghton, Matongo, Minichiello, Washbrook, Manu. Interchange Fash, Paea, Lane, Harris.
Tries: Abdull, Griffin, Minchiello. Goals: Sneyd 2.
Hull KR: Quinlan; Oakes, Salter, Crooks, Hall; Blair, Atkin; Jewitt, Cator, Mulhern, Tickle, Clarkson, Kavanagh. Interchange Scruton, Donaldson, Wardill, Carney.
Tries: Hall 2, Tickle. Goals: Tickle 3, Hall. Sin bin: Blair (46)
Referee: G Hewer.
