Hull FC fans had plenty to cheer about at the MKM Stadium on March 22, 2026, as their side clinched a thrilling 24-16 victory over Leeds Rhinos in a pulsating Betfred Super League Yorkshire derby. The win marked Hull’s second of the season and propelled them up to eighth place in the league table, a much-needed boost after a challenging start to their campaign. More than 12,000 spectators packed the stands, and boy, did they get their money’s worth!
The contest was a see-saw affair, especially in the first half, which saw both teams trading blows and the lead changing hands several times. By halftime, 30 points had been scored, keeping fans from both sides on the edge of their seats. Hull FC’s tries came courtesy of Jake Arthur, Ligi Sao, and Davy Litten, while Zak Hardaker put on a kicking masterclass, nailing all six of his attempts for a personal haul of 12 points. Leeds responded through James McDonnell and Brodie Croft, with Connor converting four goals, but it wasn’t enough to overhaul the home side.
The match began with Leeds’ Jake Connor kicking his team into an early lead, but the Black and Whites answered swiftly. James Bell’s incisive line break set up Jake Arthur to dive under the posts, much to the delight of the Hull faithful—and perhaps with a bit of mixed emotion for his father, who happens to coach the opposition. Shortly after, Leeds’ discipline faltered, gifting Hull prime field position. Amir Bourouh’s sharp play at dummy half allowed Ligi Sao to crash over for his first Super League try in two years. Hardaker’s reliable boot added the extras, quickly stretching Hull’s lead to 12 points within the opening 17 minutes.
But Leeds Rhinos weren’t about to roll over. An inch-perfect kick from Lachie Miller found James McDonnell, who dotted down in front of the traveling supporters. Miller, showing his athleticism, nearly set up a second try for McDonnell moments later, only to be denied by Hull’s scrambling defense. Ash Handley then delivered a delicate chip that Brodie Croft gathered to score, with Connor’s conversion leveling things at 14-14. Just before halftime, a high tackle penalty allowed Connor to edge Leeds ahead with a tough kick from the right touchline, sending the visitors into the break with a narrow 16-14 advantage.
Halftime brought more than just a breather—it brought a crucial turning point. Within a minute of the restart, Leeds’ Maika Sivo was penalized for taking out the marker, and Hardaker coolly slotted over to tie the game. Moments later, he struck again, nudging Hull back into the lead. The home side’s momentum surged when John Asiata—who would later earn Man of the Match honors—threaded a gorgeous grubber kick for Davy Litten to collect on the bounce and score. Hardaker’s sixth straight goal made it a two-score game, giving Hull some breathing room as the clock ticked down.
Leeds Rhinos tried to rally late, with Connor attempting a kick that could have closed the gap to a converted try. But luck was on Hull’s side as the ball struck the upright and bounced to safety. The Black and Whites’ defense held firm in the closing stages, sealing a memorable win in front of their jubilant supporters.
Hull’s coach, John Cartwright, was quick to praise his squad’s grit and determination. According to BBC Radio Humberside, Cartwright said, “Courage is a prerequisite in any game at this level. Sometimes, you need to show a little bit more courage than usual and I thought we did that today. Effort-wise and grit-wise, we competed well. We did the basics a lot better than we’ve been doing, and that’s the foundation of your game. We have to do that nine times out of 10 now.”
On the other side of the coin, Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur didn’t mince words about his team’s shortcomings. Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Arthur called the match “a bit of a reality-check isn’t it? Basically, we’re not as good as we think we are. Some of that ill-discipline is not what I want our club to be about and be part of. It was pretty embarrassing, some of the discipline in the second half. A lot of blokes just want to talk about the referee instead of doing their own job. Not good enough.” He emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the team would address the issues head-on when players returned to training on March 24, 2026.
The match also saw Leeds debutant Jack Bird make his long-awaited first appearance off the bench, following a six-to-seven-month hiatus due to fitness concerns. Leeds coach Brad Arthur had tempered expectations before the game, explaining, “He hasn’t played for a long time… Our expectations won’t be too high. The game will decide that once we’re in the flow of it. He’ll come off the bench and the game will decide what’s needed at the time or where it’s at.” Bird’s versatility was a key talking point, with Arthur noting the Australian could “carve up any position for us,” whether in the center, halves, or back row.
Brodie Croft’s return from injury also gave Leeds a boost, and he marked his comeback with a well-taken try in the first half. However, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide, as the Rhinos’ discipline issues and Hull’s relentless effort proved decisive. Despite the setback, Arthur confirmed that Leeds would not seek an immediate replacement for the injured Brown, citing the adaptability of Bird and Chris Hankinson to fill gaps as needed.
For Hull FC, the individual performances stood out just as much as the collective effort. Zak Hardaker earned an 8/10 for his flawless kicking and timely interventions, while Ligi Sao’s tireless work and try earned him a stellar 9/10. John Asiata’s all-around brilliance, from sharp carries to his try-assist, netted him Man of the Match honors with another 9/10 rating. Other notable contributors included Lewis Martin, Cade Cust, and James Bell, each making significant impacts in both attack and defense.
With this victory, Hull FC not only claimed bragging rights in Yorkshire but also sent a message to the rest of the Super League that they’re not to be underestimated. Their ability to bounce back from adversity, execute under pressure, and capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes made all the difference in this high-stakes derby.
Looking ahead, both teams will be eager to build on the lessons learned from this clash. Hull FC’s focus will be on maintaining their newfound consistency, while Leeds Rhinos will be searching for answers to their discipline woes and looking to integrate their new and returning players more effectively. The Super League season is still young, and with plenty of twists and turns to come, fans can expect more drama, passion, and unforgettable moments as the campaign unfolds.
For now, Hull FC can savor a hard-fought win, while Leeds Rhinos regroup and aim to bounce back stronger in their next outing. That’s rugby league in Yorkshire—never short on intensity, pride, or surprises!