St Helens Secure Top Position with Comeback Victory at Hull FC
Jake Davies, aged 19, made his Super League debut for St Helens last season against Castleford.
Tries: Moy, Bourouh
Goals: Hardaker 3
Tries: Davies, Stephens, Feldt, Robertson
Goals: Sailor 4
St Helens rose to the top of the Super League standings following a second-half comeback victory over Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.
Trailing by six points at halftime, St Helens increased their intensity after the break, with tries from Noah Stephens, Kyle Feldt, and Harry Robertson securing the win.
Hull FC began the match strongly, motivated by recent turmoil at the club after the announcement that head coach John Cartwright would be departing at the end of the season.
The team responded emotionally, but ultimately St Helens demonstrated the composure and quality needed to earn their sixth league win of the campaign.
The future of Cartwright at Hull FC remains uncertain.
Before the match, Cartwright expressed his wish to continue in his role, and the crowd gave him a warm ovation near the end of the game. This contrasted with boos directed at Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler, who appeared on the big screen, reflecting fans' dissatisfaction with Cartwright's treatment.
"Whether Cartwright will see out the season has to be open to question."
Cartwright's situation is difficult, knowing he is not wanted long term, and he was visibly emotional after the match.
His players showed their support with a strong start, as Logan Moy scored for Hull in the 11th minute with a try in the left-hand corner following a precise pass from Zak Hardaker.
St Helens responded through teenager Jake Davies, who scored his first Super League try nine minutes later by stepping over from a pass by Jackson Hastings.
Despite this, Hull's resilient defense near their own line and some indiscipline from St Helens prevented the visitors from extending their lead in the first half. Hooker Amir Bourouh forced his way over in the 28th minute to restore Hull's lead.
The second half saw a shift in momentum. Seven minutes after the break, Noah Stephens scored to level the match for St Helens.
Jackson Hastings had a try disallowed due to obstruction by Alex Walmsley during the build-up as St Helens began to find their rhythm.
Shortly after the hour mark, Kyle Feldt put St Helens ahead with a try following a delicate chip from Tristan Sailor.
Later, when Zak Hardaker lost possession, Harry Robertson capitalized with impressive footwork to score with six minutes remaining, sealing the victory for St Helens.
St Helens' Deon Cross will miss the upcoming game against Wakefield Trinity after failing a Head Injury Assessment following an accidental collision with Hull loanee Harry Newman.
Hull FC will be without Sam Lisone for the long term due to a torn bicep.
Team Lineups
Hull FC: Moy; Briscoe, Newman, Litten, Martin; Cust, Sezer; Hill, Bourouh, Sao, Bailey, Hardaker, Bell.
Interchanges: Aydin, Fash, Laidlaw, Lisone.
St Helens: Sailor; Feldt, Cross, Robertson, Dagnall; Whitby, Hastings; Delaney, Clark, Klemmer, Whitley, Davies, Shorrocks.
Interchanges: Walmsley, Lees, Stephens, Humphreys.
