Hull FC concluded their challenging Super League season with a significant 18-12 away victory against second-placed Leeds Rhinos. The win provided a strong finish to a difficult campaign for the Black and Whites, who had previously recorded only seven wins from 26 games.
Match Highlights and Young Talent Drive Victory
The Black and Whites took a deserved lead through Logan Moy’s try, with Chris Hankinson levelling the score for Leeds at 6-6 by half-time. Lloyd Kemp then put Hull FC back in front after a failed short drop-out from Leeds. Lennon Clark further extended Hull’s lead. Although Kallum Watkins scored for Leeds with three minutes remaining to set up a tense finish, the visitors’ strong defensive effort held out for the surprising win.
Hull FC’s victory was notably powered by young, homegrown talent, with tries from Kemp (19), Moy (21), and Clark (21). The team showcased a grit in defence that had been largely absent for much of the season. The match also marked a memorable farewell for club legend Tom Briscoe, who retired after his 400th and final Super League appearance.
A Season of Challenges Concludes with Hope
Hull FC has endured an incredibly difficult 2026 season. Head coach John Cartwright departed in March under acrimonious circumstances, with former England coach Steve McNamara appointed to take over for 2027. Andy Last was placed in interim charge as the season unravelled, including a 12-match losing streak that prompted an apology from the club’s owners in July.
Interim head coach Andy Last described the win as “Outstanding,” telling BBC Radio Humberside, “18-12 away to Leeds on the back of them hurting after losing in a big game to Wigan, to come up with the effort and the performance and that result is nothing short of amazing.” He added that the team’s “spirit, our desire and our grit and determination was evident for everyone to see.” Last also acknowledged the mental, emotional, and physical challenges of the season, stating, “I’m absolutely not sad [the season is over].”
The victory against a top-ranked team, even one acknowledged as “out-of-sorts” by the BBC, offers players, fans, and incoming coach McNamara a sense of hope for the future.
Leeds Rhinos Reflect on Disappointing Performance
For Leeds Rhinos, the defeat to a team that had won only seven of their previous 26 games was a significant setback. Coach Brad Arthur noted that his side was “badly disjointed in attack throughout” and despite dominating field position and possession, “our skill level wasn’t good enough.” He highlighted handling errors, poor execution on the edges, and a lack of urgency, including conceding a try from a drop-out.
The Rhinos, who had been unbeaten at Headingley until August, have now lost their last three home games. They welcomed back leading try-scorer Maika Sivo after two months out with a broken arm, but he, like his teammates, was reportedly below his best. Leeds now faces a two-week period to regroup before hosting their play-off semi-final on Friday, 25 September. Arthur stated, “We are 80 minutes from Old Trafford and we’ve got to get it right.”
Squad Notes and Departures
In squad news for the final game, Andy Last made two changes. Ligi Sao was unavailable after failing a Head Injury Assessment in the previous match against Toulouse Olympique, and Sam Lisone was absent due to personal reasons. Zak Hardaker returned to action for his final game in a Hull FC jersey, while James Bell was also available after passing his return to play protocols following a failed HIA in Round 25. Other notable absences for Hull FC included Will Pryce (ACL), Joe Batchelor (suspension), John Asiata (hamstring), Cade Cust (shoulder), Yusuf Aydin (knee), Brad Fash (knee), Callum Kemp (shoulder), Will Kirby (ACL), and Joe Ward (ACL), as reported by Hull FC.
