Hull FC boss Andy Last admits "we're bouncing" after shock play-offs win

The Airlie Birds produced a brilliant display, full of character, spirit, resolve and no little class, to dump Warrington Wolves out of the play-offs.

Despite only reaching the play-offs after they were extended to the top-six last week, Hull - who finished sixth - eventually rendered their third-placed opponents powerless as they secured a fourth successive win.

Although they prospered 27-14 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, to set up a semi-final at Wigan Warriors next Thursday, the contest was far tougher and closer than the scoreline suggested.

However, Hull’s defensive quality essentially proved the difference and - with the final due to played at their KCOM Stadium in a fortnight’s time - they now potentially stand ever closer to a first league title success since 1983.

Last said: “I’m very, very proud of the group of players, the coaching staff and the support staff to get a performance like that, which we asked for.

“We needed our best 80 minute performance to beat them and we did it. I am really proud.

“We spoke about aiming up and trying to beat your opposite number. One to 17, I thought we did that. We were outstanding tonight.

“It was a really solid team performance; every individual did their job well.”

Hull - who led 13-8 at half-time - saw tries scored by Bureta Faraimo, Joe Cator, Chris Satae and Jake Connor while man-of-the-match Marc Sneyd added four goals and a drop goal.

League Leaders’ Shield winners Wigan beat them in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals and Last knows it will require further improvement to advance again.

He said; “They gave us a real lesson in the Challenge Cup. We will need to be even better than we were tonight.

“But the fact we are 80 minutes away from a Grand Final, if that doesn’t motivate the group enough, then they are in the wrong profession.

“We’re absolutely bouncing; we nearly took the roof off the gantry when we sang Old Faithful.

“We’re all proud and happy with efforts and that’s a great position for us to be in.”

Hull had been beaten 38-4 by Warrington in March - a defeat that led to Lee Radford being sacked and assistant Last taking over - as well as 37-12 in September but they delivered when it mattered most.