Castleford Tigers finally halted a worrying slide in the Super League with a hard‑earned 18‑14 triumph at Hull FC on Friday night. After suffering three consecutive defeats in which they allowed a combined 144 points against Wakefield, Warrington and Hull KR, the Tigers managed to turn the tide at the MKM Stadium, largely thanks to a decisive late try from Liam Hood. The match began on a positive note for Castleford. Ten minutes into the game, Renouf Atoni received a short, quick pass and surged forward, crossing the line to give the Tigers an early lead.
Tom Weaver was successful with the conversion, putting the home side ahead. The momentum continued when Mikaele Ravalawa dived over after Phoenix Laulu‑Togagae delivered a perfectly timed, lofted pass into the corner, extending Castleford's advantage. Weaver added a penalty goal to make the score 12‑0, and for a while it appeared that the Tigers might cruise to a comfortable victory. However, Hull FC rallied strongly before the half‑time break.
A well‑executed grubber kick from Jakob Arthur was gathered by Joe Batchelor, and Aidan Sezer slotted a goal, signalling that the visitors were not ready to concede defeat. Hull's resurgence continued in the second half. Harvey Barron took a high ball and grounded it for a try, giving Hull the lead.
Sezer then added another successful conversion, sending the ball over the posts to Lewis Martin in the corner and further increasing Hull's momentum. The game seemed to be swinging in Hull's favour, and the outcome was far from certain. With just twelve minutes remaining, Liam Hood broke through the defensive line from dummy‑half, diving over to score a crucial try that shifted the balance back to Castleford.
Weaver's reliable bootwork added the extra points, and the Tigers edged ahead 18‑14. The victory not only broke their losing streak but also lifted them two places up the table to ninth, while Hull remained at the bottom of the league in twelfth. Following the match, Castleford's Director of Rugby Chris Chester spoke to Sky Sports about the team's performance and the broader context surrounding the club.
He admitted uncertainty regarding head coach Ryan Carr's situation, noting that Carr was absent for personal reasons. Chester emphasized that his primary focus in the days leading up to the game had been to prepare the squad for a tough encounter against Hull FC, describing the week as "really turbulent." He praised the players for showing heart and fighting for the club's badge, highlighting the resilience they displayed despite the off‑field challenges. Chester also paid tribute to the club's chief executive, Danny Wilson, who was confined to bed due to ill health. "We miss him here at the club," Chester said, adding that the win was dedicated to Wilson, underscoring the emotional significance of the victory for the entire Castleford community.
The match was part of Sky Sports' comprehensive coverage of the Super League season. Sky Sports will broadcast every game live, with two matches each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five matches available via Sky Sports+. This extensive coverage ensures that fans can follow all the action throughout the campaign. In summary, Castleford's 18‑14 win over Hull FC marked a vital turning point after a series of heavy defeats.
The Tigers demonstrated tenacity, capitalising on a late try from Liam Hood and the steady kicking of Tom Weaver to secure three points. The result not only lifted them up the league table but also provided a morale boost during a period of internal uncertainty, especially concerning head coach Ryan Carr and the health of chief executive Danny Wilson. The victory was a testament to the squad's determination and the supportive environment fostered by the club's leadership, offering a hopeful glimpse of what could lie ahead in the remainder of the Super League season.