Smith: Fonua was the difference

Mahe Fonua, who picked up the Man of the Match award, provided the cutting edge for Hull FC according to Warrington head coach Tony Smith.

The Airlie Birds ended the Wire’s four-game unbeaten run by cruising to a comprehensive 34-10 victory.

“I thought the man who picked up the trophy here tonight was absolutely outstanding,” said Smith. “He made the difference between the two teams.”

Smith admitted his side struggled to bounce back after having a try ruled out within the first minute of the second half.

The Black and Whites were only ahead by four points at the break, but scored twice to eventually seal the two points with ease.

“We made a really positive start to the second half and would’ve liked that one to maybe not have been chalked off,” he added.

“I thought (Marc) Sneyd was looking for obstruction rather than making a tackle but that can happens sometimes. The wind went out of our sails.

“We couldn’t get hold of that ball in the second half and the 8-2 penalty count at one stage was just overwhelming for us.”