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Round 8 Round Up

3 hrs

Round 8 got underway on Thursday Night, and a St Helens fightback saw them overcome Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.

It was an emotional night for the Black & Whites, with the expectation that it would be head coach John Cartwright’s last game in charge, which was later confirmed the following day.

Logan Moy gave Hull the lead with a try on the 11th minute, but the visitors responded through youngster Jake Davies who crossed for his first ever Super League try.

Amir Bourouh then ensured the home side would head into half-time with the advantage, as the Red V trailed six points.

Paul Rowley's men quickly came out firing, however, with Noah Stephens, Kyle Feldt and Harry Robertson all scoring tries to see them collect a valuable two points (14-24).

There was a triple-header on Friday Night, starting with Hull KR's huge win against Toulouse Olympique in the south of France.

The reigning champions scored eight tries against the French side, starting with Elliot Minchela, Rhyse Martin and Dean Hadley in the opening half.

The visitors went on to stretch their lead after the interval through Joe Burgess and Jez Litten.

Peta Hiku then produced a sensational score to celebrate his recent contract extension as he raced away with a long-range intercept.

Jai Whitbread's try and Burgess' second finally completed the scoring as the Robins continued their recent surge (0-46).

A points fest unravelled at the Accu Stadium when Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos went head-to-head under the Friday Night Lights. A rampant Rhinos ran riot with a Brodie Croft inspired masterclass, posting 56 points on their local rivals.

Along with try scorer Croft, who crossed for four - which included the first ever hat-trick of his senior career - were Jarrod O'Connor, Jack Bird, Ryan Hall, Lachie Miller, Cameron Smith, and Maika Sivo.

It wasn't entirely one-sided, however, with Olly Russell, Jacob Gagai, Jacob Douglas and George King on the scoresheet for the Giants (22-56).

The Rhinos now occupy top spot heading into Round 9...

An entertaining affair took place in North Yorkshire as Leigh Leopards claimed their first away win against York Knights. The game started in a quick manner with end-to-end action from both teams.

Gareth O'Brien was the first scorer of the match, but Xavier Va'a crashed over to hit back for the hosts. But he was sin-binned just minutes later, gifting the Leopards a penalty which Cook successfully converted to edge his side in front.

The close contest carried on into the second stanza, but two late Leigh tries from Josh Charnley and Jacob Alick-Wiencke sealed the victory (6-18).

Saturday saw victories for both home sides, as Wakefield Trinity and Catalans Dragons recorded Round 8 successes.

A fast start from Trinity saw them blow Bradford Bulls away. A hat-trick inside the first 18 minutes from Tom Johnstone helped Daryl Powell's men with an impressive home win.

On the opposite wing, Oli Pratt also completed a hat-trick, however, Johnstone claimed the bragging rights scoring his fourth of the game later in the contest.

Cam Scott, Josh Rourke and Seth Nikotemo all scored for Wakefield in the 52-12 success and join the Rhinos in the top two.

Despite trailing 10-0 early on, the Dragons roared back to beat Warrington Wolves, 38-22.

Lewis Dodd scored his first career hat-trick, including two tries in the space of two second half minutes which helped confirm Catalans' victory.

The Wolves took the lead early in the second half, but the hosts scored 28 points before Max Wood's consolation score.

On Sunday, Castleford Tigers produced a shock result away at Wigan Warriors, claiming their first win at The Brick Community Stadium in nine years.

The Tigers lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with a performance of the season in Round 8. Krystian Mapapalangi opened the scores for the visitors within the first five minutes but Dayon Sambou's acrobatic finish for Wigan levelled things up.

Zach Eckersley then edged the hosts in front, but Jack Ashworth and Mapapalangi's efforts swung momentum back in the Tigers' favour.

George Lawler later crossed for the match-winner on what was a memorable day for Castleford (14-24).