Brett Hodgson hails “professional” Hull FC display after 12-try thrashing of Leigh

Head coach Brett Hodgson described Hull FC’s 64-22 victory over basement boys Leigh Centurions as “a real professional performance”.

Andre Savelio contributed a first career hat-trick in FC’s 12-try demolition job, while winger Adam Swift touched down twice as the Airlie Birds recorded their highest Super League points total for eight years.

Full-back Jake Connor was also among 10 different try scorers and set up four more – moving five clear of his nearest rival in the Super League assists charts for the 2021 season – in his first game since being omitted from Shaun Wane’s England squad for next week’s game against the Combined Nations All Stars.

“We prepared exceptionally well because we knew how Leigh almost stunned Catalans,” said a happy Hodgson after Hull’s sixth league win in 10 games.

“We shut them out of the game at the start, which was very pleasing. We have tried to build to this over a number of weeks.

“We’ve got attacking players who, when given the right to do so, can create some opportunities.

“The connection between the spine of our team was the best it has been, off the back of some very powerful forward performances.

“There were moments when we leaked more points than we would have liked, but we will take the positives and continue to learn how to get better.”

On livewire Connor’s international exclusion, Hodgson added: “That’s a conversation for Shaun as to why Jake is not in that squad.

“We are thrilled with how he is going. His last two weeks have been his best for us this year. And we are certain he is going to keep improving. He is a very talented player.

“He just needs to keep performing like he did to get himself in that team at the end of the year.”

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