Brett Hodgson hailed Hull FC’s character to come out with the two points after just a five day turnaround following the Challenge Cup semi-finals last weekend.
Both Hull and Castleford were involved in the semi-finals, with the short turnaround having a part to play in what Hodgson described as a “flat” first-half.
But he feels Hull dealt with the occasion far better in the second half which saw them earn an important two points to move them back to within just three points of the top of the table.
“We were quite dejected after last weekend’s performance, in particular. Being so close and not getting the end result, it was important that we came here and put out a good account of ourselves,” he explained
“We came up against a team in a similar position to ourselves in that they were coming up against a 5-day turnaround. I thought what we saw was two flat teams in the first half, in particular.
“We challenged our boys at half-time and I think our start to the second half ended up winning us the game.
“I thought Chris Satae had a couple of pivotal moments which really helped change the momentum of the game.
“The way we started was flat but what we did was good enough to get ourselves out of that spell, so I’m really pleased with the result.”
Hodgson reshuffled his three-quarter line following the injury to Josh Griffin last weekend, with Mahe Fonua taking up a role in the centre and Bureta Faraimo coming in on the wing.
Fonua, who won the club’s Jacuzzi Elite Performance Man of the Match award, scored twice on either side of half-time in what was an inspired performance from the Tongan international.
Reflecting on Fonua’s performance, Hodgson said: “He was really good. To be fair he’s been great all year so far.
“I’m really happy with the progress Mahe has made all season.
“He had a couple of really good reads late in that second half defensively. He was strong, he was physical, he wanted to be involved and he looked like he enjoyed it.”
Brett Hodgson is proudly sponsored by Cladding King. To find out more – click here
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