Black and Whites make big play-off statement in France

Hull FC's resurgence under John Cartwright this year continued with a thoroughly satisfying 34-0 victory in Perpignan - their second inside four months and one that keeps their 2025 play-off push very much on track.

- By DAN TOMLINSON

Back inside the top six positions, Hull left the south of France with a ninth scalp on the road this season, with renewed confidence and hunger after a firm reset period.

They knew their display at the Magic Weekend wasn't good enough, but they fronted up after it, addressed their shortcomings, and did something about it. The results since speak for themselves.

Hull got the performance but not the two points at Headingley, with Leeds rallying to a late win, but they made no mistake at Leigh - with a pulsating first half getting the job done.

And in Perpignan, it was the same again, with the result built on two key pillars: completion and discipline.

As they have for three weeks now, Hull's focus was getting back to early-season standards, getting smart with the ball and fronting up, all within the rule book, in defence. They've done exactly that. They were controlled; they remained calm, and they stuck to their process. They gave themselves a foundation to play off, producing some slick moments of attack after defence that showed their tenacity.