Hull FC brought their historic tour of New South Wales to a close with an impressive performance against the St George Illawarra Dragons, eventually going down 24-18 but valiant in defeat. 

The Black & Whites made a brilliant account of themselves against NRL opposition, and found themselves on top for long periods at the ANZ Stadium. But a late try from Kurt Mann in the final minutes sealed the victory for the hosts.

Playing much of the game with a young pack of forwards, the travelling Faithful were rewarded for their trip Down Under, and can leave Australia with their heads held high after an overall successful tour, despite two defeats.

Hull went into the game without the influential trio of captain Danny Houghton, and forwards Scott Taylor and Mark Minichiello, but were boosted as Liam Watts, Bureta Faraimo and Jake Connor all recovered from knocks picked up against Wigan last wee.

Meanwhile for the Dragons, James Graham and Ben Hunt made their debuts for the club, while notable stars Gareth Widdop, Jason Nightingale and Paul Vaughan also started in the match.

Hull immediately started positively in the game, with Jamie Shaul earning the real first chance in the clash, breaking through the Dragons line but failed to score with a lack of support play.

The visitors went even closer two minutes later; Sika Manu dived for the line but an incredible from Widdop and Sims dislodged the ball to prevent the Tongan from scoring.

But Hull’s early efforts were soon rewarded. A break down the left flank after ten minutes saw Jake Connor put through a delightful grubber, with Albert Kelly outpacing James Graham to touch down. Marc Sneyd converted.

But FC’s lead lasted just five minutes, with their right edge defense caught napping and Tim Lafai about to walk in in the corner for the Dragons first score. Widdop brought the scores level with the boot.

Hull continued to look dangerous in attack, but St George’s pace in undeniable and often unstoppable. Jason Nightingale’s step easily beat Josh Griffin after 26 minutes in the opposite corner.

But the Black & Whites weren’t going to lie down easily, and Kelly would soon complete his brace. Breakin through the opposition line, he got the better of both Sims and Dufty to touch the ball down. Sneyd converted to give Hull and half-time lead.

HALF-TIME: St George 10-12 Hull FC

 

Paul Vaughan got the second-half underway with a chance for the Dragons, but was denied by the NRL Bunker.

But St George would soon regain the lead. Bureta Faraimo was caught out of position on his wing, allowing Papua New Guinea international Nene Macdonald to touch down in the corner, despite being challenged by Albert Kelly.

Macdonald would bag a second score just five minutes later after coming off the bench, overpowering Jake Connor this time to put Paul McGregor’s side in control of the contest.

But with Widdop missing another goal, Hull still found themselves with a chance.

Hull continued to pressure the host’s line, and would be level once more when Liam Watts powered his way over just short of the hour mark. Snyed brought the scores to 18-18.

FC had chances in the Dragons half to take the lead in the final minutes, but tiring, mistakes halted their chances.

There was to be late heartbreak for Hull as Kurt Mann slid through Hull’s line after defending so well in the second 40. But the spirits on the field or in the stands weren’t dampened. Hull had competed against a top NRL side, and made a strong account for themselves to a worldwide audience.

FULL-TIME: St George 24-18 Hull FC