6 takeaways as Hull FC stun Wigan Warriors, including Jack Walker

Hull FC produced one of the upsets of the season so far when they beat reigning champions Wigan Warriors 24-22 on Saturday afternoon.

Hull claimed just their third win of the Super League season with an impressive victory over league leaders Wigan at the MKM Stadium: here are the big takeaways and takeaways from the entertaining story.

Hull’s effort is remarkable

It’s been a season to forget for Hull, with many changes on and off the pitch: and while their effort levels were heavily questioned in the first half of the season, their performances have improved considerably under Simon’s tutelage Grey.

Each of Hull’s 17 emptied the tank against Wigan in a huge team effort. There was simply nothing left in them when the full-time hooter sounded and they got their rewards: the two points and a big confidence boost.

Walker back with a thud

Jack Walker has had to wait patiently for a chance at full-back in Hull’s first team this year due to the emergence of exciting youngster Logan Moy.

But Walker was sensational on Grix’s return, winning the man of the match award after a strong performance on both sides of the ball.

The 24-year-old scored the game’s opening try and made more than 100 meters in a flowing attack: but his best moment came in a saving tackle to deny them a try on Wigan winger Abbas Miski.

Uncharacteristic errors cost Wigan

Wigan threatened a comeback in the final quarter with tries from Brad O’Neill, Liam Marshall and Zach Eckersley, but it was too late by then, with Hull leading 18-4 at the break.

You probably won’t see Wigan drop the ball as much as they did for a long time to come. The Warriors had a set completion rate of just 66 per cent compared to Hull’s 84 per cent and when your set completion is below 75 per cent then you have a mountain to climb and you rarely come out on top, which that’s what turned out to be the case.

Matt Peet’s side made 15 errors, which is clearly well below their standards. It’s a shock result and it was an off day for the Warriors. They need a big response against Warrington Wolves next week, with the latter enjoying an impressive win at St Helens on Friday night.

Brilliant Balmforth

How good has young prostitute Denive Balmforth been for Hull in recent weeks? You can see why the Black and Whites have recently linked him to a new contract.

The 20-year-old adds a different dimension to Hull’s attack when he is on the pitch and provides a spark with his runs from the false half.

Balmforth got on the scoresheet with an instinctive effort from close range and if he continues this form then he will be part of the FC furniture for a while, you suspect.

Hull’s youth crowd comes to the fore

If there’s one thing Hull have done well this season, it’s give their academy products the chance to shine on the big stage. The Black and Whites have featured more academy products in Super League this season than any other club, with 17 featuring in 18 rounds so far.

I’ve already singled out Balmforth for praise: but we must also mention Jack Charles, Davy Litten, Lewis Martin and Will Gardiner, who all put in big efforts to help Hull topple Wigan. The future is certainly bright for Hull in this regard.

IN CONNECTION WITH: Ranking of each Super League club by number of academy products featured in 2024, with Hull FC leading the pack

Dupree hits the milestone

Wigan prop Tyler Dupree made his 100th career appearance on Saturday afternoon, 27 of those coming in maroon and white.

It wasn’t the result Dupree would have hoped for to celebrate his achievement and the England international was booked in the first half for what was deemed a dangerous tackle on Hull center Ed Chamberlain.

Dupree has enjoyed plenty of success in his short time with Wigan so far, with a Challenge Cup, a Super League title, the World Club Challenge and the League Leader’s Shield to his name.

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