Hull FC 29 Catalans 34: Israel Folau’s silences boo-boys in first game on English soil
ISRAEL FOLAU’S “special play” silenced the boo-boys as Catalans snatched victory — after getting the reception he would have predicted.
The Aussie, sacked by his country’s rugby union for a homophobic social media post, was jeered for his first Super League touch on English soil.
Hull ran in 24 unanswered points but Sam Tomkins’ stunning show helped the Dragons overturn an 18-point deficit late on.
After Marc Sneyd’s drop goal, Folau rose to claim the restart and from there, James Maloney snatched the winning try, much to boss Steve McNamara’s delight.
He said: “It was a special play, it was a special catch. For Izzy to take the short kick-off one handed gave us a chance to win the game.
“But we could’ve used him more. He was solid without being spectacular but he came up with that big play.”
Fouad Yaha’s try added to the first of Ben Jullien’s brace to put Catalans 10-4 up.
Lee Radford’s men kicked into gear with Mahe Fonua getting his second before Carlos Tuimavave, Jamie Shaul and Man Ma’u crossed.
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Catalans hit back, though, when Tomkins’ break sent Josh Drinkwater over and the England ace set up Samisoni Langi’s leveller.
Enter Folau for his pivotal moment.
Hull boss Radford said: “We can prepare for things like the restart but we don’t have anyone who’s 8ft 2in or can jump that high!”