Hull FC managed to pick up their first win of the season against a high-spirited London Broncos in a game that had everything going for it.
The match at MKM Stadium on Sunday afternoon was an end-to-end affair, with both teams canceling each other out for most of the 80 minutes.
London looked to have taken the game four minutes into the game when Oli Leyland converted from Robbie Storey’s 80-metre try on the touchline, but Hull half-back Morgan Smith converted with a minute remaining. He scored a goal and proved to be the winner. Watch to ensure a 28-24 victory between blacks and whites.
There was no shortage of topics for this match, but I love rugby league We covered a few in The Debrief.
Hull FC’s first win of the season
It wasn’t the best performance we’ve seen from Tony Smith’s side this season, but they got the job done and in the end all that mattered was getting the two points.
It’s probably fair to note that the Airlie Birds are well above double figures on the injury list and have yet to see a Hull team at full strength.
As a result, Smith moved deeper into the first-team squad, giving more minutes to promising young players such as Lewis Martin, Nick Staveley and Charlie Severs, while Jack Charles made his first-team debut.
Hull They played decently at times, coached by man of the match Danny Houghton, but there were times when they could have coped better, both in attack and defence. They need to get players back and get better moving forward, but the main thing today was to get the first win on the board.
London Broncos in good spirits
There were several moments when Hull had the lead and could have just run away with it, but the Broncos wouldn’t allow it. They worked hard against each other and always managed to pull themselves back into the game.
At first glance, you can see how close-knit Mike Eccles’ team is and how much each side believes they can cause an upset and shock in Super League in 2024.
The Broncos obviously didn’t get the win, but if they keep playing like this, their first win in the top flight won’t be too far away.
Their half-backs, James Meadows and Jack Campagnolo, played really cleverly and their kicking game troubled Hull. Lee Kershaw also appears to be a shrewd pick-up player, giving Eccles’ side a boost when it comes to getting carries from the yard.
Dean Parata’s blow
Dean Parata of London Broncos
London were hit with injuries in the loss, with key forward Dean Parata failing a test for a head injury just two minutes into Game 3.
This was a blow for London as he was their star man. The Italy international will miss next weekend’s visit to world champions Wigan Warriors due to a 12-day recovery procedure following a concussion.
pure kit nostalgia
London wore their new away kit for the first time this afternoon, and it instantly evoked a feeling of pure nostalgia.
The 2024 shirt design is inspired by the Broncos’ popular era from 1995 to 1998, when the likes of Martin Offiah, Tarsen Toretto and Shaun Edwards played for the Capital City club.
It may not be to everyone’s taste, but (in my opinion) it’s an absolute beauty.
Read next: Jared Bassett’s amazing journey from amateur rugby to Super League with the London Broncos