Delighted Tony Smith said “desire” was key as rampant Hull stunned champions St Helens to gain sweet revenge for their Challenge Cup exit.
Just five days after a 32-18 quarter-final defeat by Saints on the same ground, his side were utterly transformed. They’d been in the Cup tie at 12-12 before Josh Griffin’s half-time red card for allegedly calling referee Chris Kendall a “f****** cheat.” But Hull’s discipline - and everything else - was spot on tonight in an inspired display.
Smith freshened things up with six changes including bringing back Aussie scrum-half Jake Clifford after he’d missed the Cup game due to a head knock. Along with half-back partner Jake Trueman, he left the bewildered visitors scratching their heads as brilliant Hull finally beat Saints for the first time in SIX years ending a 16-match losing run. Built on an immense pack performance, it was their biggest win of the year and bolstered hopes of breaking into the play-off places.
