Luke Gale scores on debut as Hull FC open new campaign with win over Wakefield

Josh McAllister
Luke Gale Hull FC

Hull FC opened their 2022 Super League campaign with a 16-12 victory over Wakefield at the Be Well Support Stadium.

Wakefield named four players to make their official debuts for the club. Liam Hood, Lee Gaskell, Tom Lineham and Corey Hall all named.

For Hull, England international Luke Gale was named in the halves alongside Josh Reynolds.

Jake Connor was a surprise inclusion, having fractured his hand in the club’s pre-season clash with Leeds. Centres Josh Griffin and Carlos Tuimavave were both absent for Brett Hodgson’s side. Darnell McIntosh was named on the wing, while hooker Joe Lovodua started on the bench.

FC youngster Aidan Burrell was also named on the bench.

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It was Hull’s captain in Gale who opened the scoring for his new club, crossing on the 11th minute. He converted his own try for an early 6-0 lead.

However, Wakefield hit back through Hall on debut at 37 minutes for a 6-6 score at the break.

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HT: Wakefield 6-6 Hull

Fiji international Lovodua crossed on his first appearance to reclaim the lead for Hull just two minutes after the break for a 12-6 score.

It was an afternoon for the debutants at Hull, as winger McIntosh crossed on 50 minutes for an 16-6 lead. 

Full-back Connor was sent from the field for a high tackle on 65 minutes. He became the third player to be sent off in the opening weekend of Super League.

Winger Tom Johnstone crossed for Wakefield in what gave his side a hope for a comeback with a 16-12 score.

However, the Black and Whites held strong to open their campaign with a victory.

FT: Wakefield 12-16 Hull

Wakefield: Jowitt, Lineham, Lyne, Hall, Johnstone, Gaskell, Miller, Arona, Fifita, Hood, Ashurst, Pitts, Crowther.

Subs: Battye, Batchelor, Tanginoa, Kay.

Tries: Hall, Johnstone.

Goals: Jowitt 2

Hull FC: Connor, Swift, Wynne, Scott, McIntosh, Reynolds, Gale, Sao, Houghton, Fash, Lane, Savelio, Johnstone.

Subs: Brown, Burrell, Lovodua, Satae.

Tries: Gale, Lovodua, McIntosh.

Goals: Gale 2

Attendance: 6,148

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