Hull FC and Leigh Leopards put on a spectacle in the Betfred Super League
- Super League Raw
- Mar 7
- 5 min read
Hull FC 22 -22 Leigh Leopards
If a new audience was drawn to our exceptional game on Saturday, and they witnessed this thrilling contest, they were likely converted to the premier spectator sport on Earth, thanks to the Airlie Birds and Leopards. The event had it all: an electrifying atmosphere, intense tackles, spectacular tries, contentious decisions, and golden point extra time. It served as a remarkable advertisement for the sport. Let us reflect on a night that will be remembered as one of the standout matches of the 2025 Betfred Super League Season.
One distinguishing feature of Super League Raw is our unwavering passion for the game, transcending the outcomes and rivalries. Among our most celebrated offerings is "In the Sheds," where David Cain of Super League Raw provides a unique glimpse into the heart of the games.
The Coaches Post Match Reaction
John Cartwright
Adrian Lam
Social Media Reaction
Hull FC
Jack Smith needs sacking, some of the worst decision making I've ever seen, the Briscoe incident was unbelievable, the blokes an absolute coward, pointless having him as a video ref, total cheating. How can the league allow this to happen, he should never be allowed near a Superleague game again and definitely needs investigating for some of his decision making tonight, scandalous! Vince Hampshire
As a Rovers fan people always expect grief but I'm here to congratulate you on a hard fought game with passion fire and determination. You were robbed by the incompetence of the refereeing comedy duo. They should be demoted to bloody non league games after those pathetic decisions. No matter what they threw at you, you still showed that you're here to be counted this year. Well done and good luck for the season ( not too much though 😉 ) Louise Bartlett
That is the PASSION we have been long overdue, what a performance and without the referees on Leigh’s side that would have been win, super proud of everyone of the lads out there, they did the shirt and the club proud 🌑⚪️🌑⚪️ Keiran Caville
Leigh Leopards
Good game (FC fan) would have been gutting if any team lost that good fair tough draw good luck Leigh - Liam Willis
Excellent game. Fair result. Top of the league, and we've got the most exciting Leigh player since John Woods. Armstrong is absolutely fantastic. Let's hope we get Morea Morea at some point. Allan Graham
Great effort despite losing our composure and momentum at times (due to Hull's effort and doggedness). A tough game and probably a fair result. Hard to play brilliantly well every game, Gaz going off was another blow. Still a great start to the season. Armstrong playing like that from being ill and not training for two weeks!! Wow, what a player. We refocus and go again. Up The Leopards! John Ridyard
The Final Word
The Super League has witnessed impressive performances from Hull FC over the first four rounds, with particular commendation for John Cartwright, whose leadership has been remarkable. Herman Ese'Ese is once again the prop forward to be feared in Super League. His exceptional try can be attributed to a remarkable running line executed at high speed, making him a daunting challenge for defenders. In terms of defence, Ese'Ese completed 44 tackles with an impressive efficiency rate of 97.7%, along with 9 tackle busts and accumulating 160 meters from 18 carries—truly outstanding statistics. Regardless of opinions on the validity of Martin's try, it is clear that he possesses finishing ability, having scored three tries in four games. Additionally, Barron is demonstrating excellent form, as is John Asiata, who delivered a stellar performance against his former team.
One significant concern for the coaching staff is maintaining discipline, as the team has accumulated three yellow cards so far this season. However, it is noteworthy that no one outside the MKM Stadium would have anticipated Hull FC securing five points after four rounds. In the previous year, Hull FC was often regarded as a reliable losing team by many bettors, analysts, and competing teams—demonstrating a considerable shift in circumstances this time round.
Adrian Lam will likely regret the eight-minute period when his team played against only eleven men. This moment proved pivotal in the match, as the Leopards were expected to secure at least one additional try during this timeframe, which could have effectively sealed their victory. Instead, their lack of discipline and composure allowed a spirited Hull FC team to capitalize on the situation, conceding only six points during that critical stretch. Furthermore, Lam must address the issue of goal-kicking; it is evident that had O'Brien been present on the field during the Golden Point, the Leopards would have emerged victorious.
Lam will remain confident as his new signings continue to impress, particularly David Armstrong, who appears to be a strong contender for the 2025 Man of Steel award after four rounds of play. Tesi Niu has emerged as a promising talent, reminiscent of Konrad Hurrell, yet potentially possessing superior footwork and pace, suggesting he will only improve. Isaac Liu exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier loose forward, demonstrating class and style on the field. Meanwhile, Ethan O'Neil has been a delightful surprise in the second row. Overall, the Leopards are performing exceptionally well thus far.
The Gladiators who took the Field
Hull FC
23 Logan Moy
2 Harvey Barron
5 Tom Briscoe
1 Jordan Rapana
22 Lewis Martin
14 Cade Cust
7 Aidan Sezer
8 Herman Ese’ese
9 Amir Bourouh
16 Yusuf Aydin
11 Jed Cartwright
12 Jordan Lane
13 John Asiata
Interchange
17 Jack Ashworth
19 Brad Fash
33 Will Hutchinson
40 Liam Knight (Debut)
Try Scorer: Cartwright (10), Barron (52), Ese’ese (60), Martin (79)
Tale of the Boot: Sezer 2/4, Lane 1/1
Naughty Boys: Sezer (22), Rapana (26)
Leigh Leopards
1 David Armstrong
18 Keanan Brand
3 Tesi Niu
4 Umyla Hanley
24 Bailey Hodgson
6 Gareth O’Brien
7 Lachlan Lam
8 Owen Trout
9 Edwin Ipape
12 Jack Hughes
21 Andy Badrock
20 Ethan O’Neill
13 Isaac Liu
Subs (all used)
19 Louis Brogan
15 Alec Tuitavake
16 Matt Davis
17 Brad Dwyer
Try Scorers: Niu (12), Hanley (26), Armstrong (56, 67)
Tale of the Boot: O’Brien 2/3, Hodgson 1/1, Lam 0/1
HOW IT WENT DOWN: 4-0, 4-4, 4-6, 4-12, 6-12; 12-12, 12-18, 18-18, 18-22, 22-22; 22-22; 22-22
Man of the Match - The Super League Raw Trophy
3pts - David Armstrong
2pts - Herman Ese'Ese
1pt - John Asiata
Half-time: 6 - 12
Referee: Tom Grant
Attendance: 9765
Key Performance Indicators:
Most Tackles – Amir Bourouh - 61
Top Tackle Busts – David Armsrong & Umyla Hanley - 10
Most Carries – John Asiata - 23
Most Metres - Bailey Hodgson - 229
Most Hard Metres - Herman Ese'Ese - 160
Most Clean Breaks – David Armstrong- 2
Most Offloads - Jed Cartwright - 5
Did you know our members enjoy 7 Days of Rugby League content and programmes?
For unrivalled coverage of the Betfred Super League and to become a part of the fastest growing community in Rugby League, consider one of our memberships before your leave:
Comments