Joe's big day is eclipsed by the colossal Herman Ese'Ese

Castleford Tigers 10 - 16 Hull FC

He is Back!

HULL FC took the spoils at the Joe Westerman’s testimonial with plenty to build on for both sides before the season gets up and running in little under two weeks time. After a defining season that should have resulted in a Dream Team selection, Herman Ese'Ese picked up where he left off with some trade mark 'Don't Argue' carries, and a little off load here and there. Watch out Super League Herman is about!

Castleford's Josh Simm filled in for the injured Jason Qareqare, while Hull debuted Zak Hardaker, Jordan Rapana, and Aidan Sezer. Cas started strong, with Tex Hoy's break leading to a try by Simm, giving them a 6-0 lead. However, Ed Chamberlain's injury and a clash between Logan Moy and Asi impacted the game. Rapana's try brought FC back to 6-4, but Hardaker missed the conversion.

Castleford extended their lead to 10-4 at halftime after a try from Innes Senior, with Hull's discipline faltering. After halftime, Hull's Jed Cartwright quickly leveled the score at 10-10. Hull then took the lead 16-10 with Amir Bourouh's try. Despite Castleford's efforts to respond, they struggled to score and missed key opportunities as the match progressed.

The Coaches Assessment

Danny McGuire

Defensively, we were physical. Hull have got a big pack and I thought physically we were good. We did some nice things with the ball and created some chances. I thought Tex Hoy was the best player on the field in the first-half. Daejarn Asi and Judah Rimbu will take time to gel and come together so we will give them time and keep working with them.

John Cartwright on Jordan Rapana and Lloyd and Callum Kemp

He (Rapana) is a natural footy player, he has a lot of nous. Jordan could be in a different spot each week depending on injuries and suspensions. The Kemp twins were the difference, they brought energy and played out through the rest of the team. Their attention to detail is unreal, they live and breathe football.

John Cartwright speaking to Hull FC Talking Post Match

The Final Word

Well, it’s just a friendly, but the Tigers are licking their wounds after two pre-season losses in a row! With an opposing squad as young as a kitten in the second half and a bench that’s more like a stool at The Jungle, rookie head coach Danny McGuire might be in for a bumpy ride this season. On the flip side, Hull FC look on first glance a better unit than 2024, with blossoming homegrown talent and some snazzy moments from try-scoring sensation Jordan Rapana, who knows what the season has in store?

The Gladiators who took the Field

Castleford Tigers

1 Tex Hoy

24 Josh Simm

3 Zac Cini

4 Sam Wood

5 Innes Senior

6 Daejarn Asi

14 Judah Rimbu

15 George Griffin

9 Liam Horne

10 George Lawler

11 Jeremiah Simbiken

12 Alex Mellor

13 Joe Westerman

Interchange:

8 Liam Watts

16 Cain Robb

17 Luke Hooley

20 Muizz Mustapha

21 Sylvester Namo

23 Fletcher Rooney

35 Dan Okoro

Try Scorers: Simm (13), I Senior (29)

Tale of the Boot: Hoy 1/2

HULL FC

23 Logan Moy

5 Tom Briscoe

3 Zak Hardaker

1 Jordan Rapana

2 Harvey Barron

14 Cade Cust

7 Aidan Sezer

8 Herman Ese’ese

9 Amir Bourouh

10 Ligi Sao

12 Jordan Lane

4 Ed Chamberlain

13 John Asiata

Interchange:

11 Jed Cartwright

17 Jack Ashworth

19 Brad Fash

21 Will Gardiner

22 Lewis Martin

25 Denive Balmforth

26 Zach Jebson

29 Ryan Westerman

30 Callum Kemp

31 Hugo Salabio

Will Kirby

Lennon Clark

Joe Ward

Will Hutchinson

Lloyd Kemp

Try Scorers: Rapana (20), Cartwright (42), Bourouh (47)

Tale of the Boot: Hardaker 0/1, Westerman 2/2

How it went down: 6-0, 6-4, 10-4; 10-10, 10-16

Super League Raw Man of the Match - Herman Ese'Ese - Hull FC