Clune’s comeback and Knight’s red card swing scrappy Magic Weekend clash Huddersfield’s way
It took them ten rounds of frustration, narrow misses, and late heartbreaks—but finally, Huddersfield Giants are up and running. Their first Super League win of the 2025 season came in dramatic fashion during a fiery Magic Weekend encounter, as they edged out a 12-man Hull FC 12-10 at St James’ Park.
It was scrappy, gritty, and—at times—downright chaotic. But for Ian Watson’s side, it didn’t matter how it came. The win lifts them off the foot of the table on points difference and breathes some life into what has been a torrid campaign. For Hull, the defeat marks a third straight loss and a missed opportunity to return to the top four, leaving coach John Cartwright with more questions than answers.
A Clash That Had It All: Penalties, Brawls, and a Game-Changing Red
The tone of the match was set early on as Hull, perhaps feeling the pressure of expectation, came out nervy and ill-disciplined. A series of early penalties allowed George Flanagan to nudge the Giants in front with a straightforward kick, and the momentum started to build from there.
Huddersfield, who welcomed back influential half-back Adam Clune after nearly two months on the sidelines, looked sharper in attack and more connected in defence. Clune’s return was like switching on a light in a dimly lit room—suddenly, the Giants had structure, ideas, and a bit of bite.
Their first try came via club stalwart Leroy Cudjoe, who showed all his experience with a classy step-and-go to beat Will Pryce one-on-one and score under the posts. At 8-0, it looked like Huddersfield might kick on. But Hull responded immediately.
Ese’ese Answers, But Discipline Undoes Hull
A mistake from the restart gave Hull a platform, and they didn’t waste it. John Asiata powered his way to the line before delivering a beautiful no-look offload to Herman Ese’ese, who crashed over to cut the deficit. Flanagan’s heroic try-saving tackle on Cade Cust shortly after preserved the lead—but the real drama was still to come.
As the clock ticked towards halftime, things descended into chaos. First, Sam Eseh was sin-binned for a high shot on Matty English that sparked a full-on brawl. Then, in the very next phase, Liam Knight rushed out of the line and launched a reckless shoulder into Sam Hewitt’s head. The referee, Aaron Moore, had little choice but to show red.
Down to 11 men and 8-6 behind at the break, Hull’s uphill task became a mountain.
Clune’s Magic and Gagai’s Finish Stretch the Lead
Despite the disadvantage, Hull came out fighting in the second half, defending their line with incredible grit. But when Ese’ese’s wayward offload was pounced on by Huddersfield, Clune took centre stage again. His brilliant cut-out pass eliminated four Hull defenders in one smooth motion and sent Jacob Gagai diving over in the corner.
It was a textbook playmaker’s move—precise, instinctive, and timed to perfection. That took the score to 12-6, and with the numbers advantage, Huddersfield looked ready to pull away.
Martin’s Moment of Brilliance Keeps Hull in the Fight
But Hull weren’t done. Far from it. Davy Litten somehow managed to offload from the ground in a tangle of bodies, and Lewis Martin finished it with one of the most acrobatic tries of the season—diving one-handed in mid-air to plant the ball in the corner. At 12-10, it was game on again.
The final quarter was a tense chess match played at breakneck pace. Huddersfield dominated field position and looked more likely to score, but Hull’s defence was heroic. Time and again, they shut down promising attacks, with Cust’s try-saving tackle on Kevin Swift in the corner a standout moment.
In the end, Huddersfield had done just enough. The final whistle brought visible relief and no small amount of emotion as players embraced and fans celebrated a long-awaited two points.
Clune Shines Bright on Return
Huddersfield’s win owed much to Clune, who reminded everyone just how vital he is to their attacking shape. His two try assists were the kind of moments that lift a team, and his control of the tempo ensured Hull never truly wrestled the initiative back—even when they threatened to.
Cudjoe, too, was influential—rolling back the years with a composed and confident performance—while Flanagan provided both points and presence. The Giants pack also stood up when it counted, especially during the late exchanges as Hull pressed desperately for a winner.
Trouble for Hull After Another Setback
For Hull, this was a bitter pill to swallow. The red card to Knight was avoidable, and so was the indiscipline that marred the first half. They showed plenty of spirit to stay in the contest with 12 men, but their composure let them down at key moments.
The defeat keeps them in fifth place but with pressure mounting. With injuries piling up and inconsistency creeping in, Cartwright may need to reset the tone in the coming weeks.
Final Whistle Verdict
This wasn’t the prettiest game of rugby league you’ll see. But for Huddersfield, it might just be the most important. The relief of finally getting that first win after nine rounds of anguish will be immense—and with Clune back pulling the strings, there’s every reason to believe it won’t be their last.
Magic Weekend? For Huddersfield, it finally lived up to the name.
