Image source, SWPixImage caption, Zak Hardaker signed for Hull from Leigh at the end of the 2024 Super League season
ByNeil SquiresBBC Sport England- Published3 May 2026, 17:01 BST
Betfred Super League
Hull FC (4) 4
Try: Briscoe
Toulouse (12) 12
Tries: Ashall-Bott, Cator Goals: Shorrocks 2
Hull FC missed the chance to move into the top half of Super League after slipping to a hugely disappointing home defeat by struggling Toulouse.
A flat and predictable performance from Hull in attack presented the French side with the opportunity to put an end to a run of seven straight defeats and they took it with a gutsy display at the MKM Stadium.
Two tries in the opening 10 minutes from full-back Olly Ashall-Bott down the left and loose-forward Joe Cator gave Toulouse a lead which they defended with relish in the greasy conditions.
Hull, who hit back with a first-half try from Tom Briscoe, could not find a way through Toulouse's rearguard after the break in a scoreless second period as the visitors chalked up a first win over the Black and Whites in their history.
Toulouse dominated Hull in the first half with their simple but effective gameplan and their lead was the least they deserved.
After Hull's thumping win over Castleford last week, there was expectation in the air at the MKM Stadium but they fell well short in a grim opening period and the boos rang out at half-time.
Toulouse got off to a flier with their tries through Ashall-Bott down the left and Cator. who took a good line to score against his former club.
Jake Shorrocks added the extras on both occasions.
It was against the run of play when veteran wing Briscoe crossed for Hull in the 32nd minute with a good finish from what was just about their only coherent attack.
And losing second row Connor Bailey to a shoulder issue only underlined that it was a half to forget for Hull.
Andy Last's men picked up after the break, putting sustained pressure on Toulouse and Briscoe came close as Hull put in a chip behind the French side's defence.
A timely intervention from Ashall-Bott with 15 minutes left thwarted Lewis Martin as he bore down on Davy Litten's kick and when the Hull wing threatened again the excellent Ashall-Bott came to the rescue once more.
In the end, for all their territory, Hull were frustratingly toothless and they have a lot of thinking to do over the next fortnight before they take on Bradford Bulls.
Hull FC: Moy; Briscoe, Newman, Litten, Martin; Arthur, Sezer; Fash, Bourouh, Hill, Bailey, Hardaker, Bell
Interchanges: Batchelor, Cust, Aydin, Mata'utia
Toulouse: Ashall-Bott; Laguerre, Polselli, Jussaume, Ulberg; Rouge, Shorrocks; Roumanos, Hands, Chan, O'Kane, Stefani, Cator
Interchanges: Marion, Butler, Wallace, Gillam
Referee: Matty Lynn.
