Warrington Wolves talking points after Hull FC victory

Hull FC were beaten 24-6 as The Wire bounced back from defeat at Salford Red Devils last time out and keep themselves among a tightly-packed bunch of teams at the top of Super League.

Our Wire reporter Matt Turner picks out five key talking points from the action...

“Banana skin” avoided

On paper at least, this had all the hallmarks of being a potential banana skin for Warrington.

Sam Burgess’ decision to rest a few key players was understandable but risky for a game they were heavily favoured to win, but with Hull FC having improved in defeat last time out and with the freedom the underdog tag brings, it was far from the simple assignment many predicted.

To that end, the fact Wire negotiated it with minimal fuss is worthy of credit.

Of course, those watching would have wanted them to pile on the points but in putrid conditions, a riot was never really on the cards and while they would have wanted to be cleaner in their execution, Wire had more than enough to get the job done.

It wasn’t really a game to write home about, but Wire did what they needed to do.

Key moments either side of half time

With the score at 6-0, Wire never really had that element of comfort and the game was still very much in the balance.

However, two tries either side of the half-time hooter effectively put the game beyond the visitors.

George Williams’ try as he finished off Josh Drinkwater’s break was key as it sent his side into the break in much more command, with Josh Thewlis’ second try coming almost immediately after it.

Hull did not touch the ball in that period and when they finally did get it back, they were chasing the game in less-than-ideal conditions for doing so.

George Williams slides over for a crucial try just before half time (Image: PA Wire)

Confidence boosts for certain players

Leon Hayes’ serious ankle injury is a bitter blow for Wire, of that there can be no doubt.

However, Sam Burgess had a trusted general waiting in the wings in Josh Drinkwater, even if that admiration perhaps does not translate to the terraces from the coaching box.

He will be heartened by the Australian’s return to the fold, though, as Drinkwater put in a solid display including a critical break to set up George Williams for the try that gave Wire greater control.

Fans were also underwhelmed by Rodrick Tai’s Super League debut against Catalans Dragons and while judging him off that performance alone is highly unfair, he definitely took a step forward.

Arron Lindop too got more senior minutes under his belt and performed well on the left wing. Physically, he already looks a Super League player even at the tender age of 18.

The “next man up” mantra gets stronger still.

Thewlis sparkles

Wire’s number two already had a try to his name when he left the field with blood pouring from his head and at that point, it looked odds-against that he would reappear.

He did, bandaged head and all, and of that, all in primrose and blue will be mighty glad.

A hat-trick of tries has seen him quietly move clear as the club’s leading try-scorer with 11 this season, meaning he has already beaten last season’s total after just 11 appearances.

All three were excellently finished, cutting in from the touchline to find gaps in a scrambling Hull defence.

Four out of four from the kicking tee further demonstrates the improvement in his goal-kicking, an area in which he is becoming more and more reliable.

Are Wire back on track?

Were they ever off track? The answer to both of those questions will no doubt vary depending on your individual outlook.

As previously mentioned, however, Warrington at the very least got what they needed out of this game – two points and a return to winning ways.

This was certainly a more controlled and assured display than they have put in during their previous two games and while context will be applied in terms of a beleaguered opposition, it was a step forward in certain areas.

They will come under much sterner examination from FC’s city rivals Hull KR on Thursday at the start of a month that could prove pivotal in their season.

How well-equipped are they for what’s to come? We’ll find out soon enough…