Warrington Wolves Hold Off Hull FC Fightback to Keep Top-Two Hopes Alive

Warrington Wolves made it six wins on the bounce, edging Hull FC 16-14 in a tense Betfred Super League clash that went down to the wire on 29 August 2026.

The victory moves third-placed Warrington to within two points of the league's joint leaders, Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors, keeping a top-two finish firmly in sight with the play-offs looming (BBC Sport).

For long stretches, though, it looked like it would be far more comfortable than the final scoreline suggests. With the teams locked at 2-2 and barely five minutes left in the first half, Warrington struck twice in quick succession. Leon Hayes crossed first, then Matty Ashton followed him over — the visitors suddenly had daylight.

Their grip tightened early in the second half when Hull's Ligi Sao was sent to the sin-bin (a ten-minute temporary dismissal) for a high tackle on Ashton. Down to 12 men, Hull conceded again almost immediately, Josh Thewlis extending Warrington's lead and seemingly putting the game to bed.

But Hull, who arrived on the back of a spirited 27-26 comeback win over Catalans Dragons in Perpignan the previous week, refused to fold on their home turf. Ethan O'Neill got them on the board with a try, and veteran winger Tom Briscoe — making his final home appearance before retirement — added a second almost straight after. Aidan Sezer's three goals brought Hull within two points and set up a nervy finish.

Warrington held firm. Hull had a second player, Jordan Batchelor, sin-binned during the match as referee Chris Kendall kept a tight grip on discipline, but the visitors' defence held through the closing minutes to secure the two points.

For Hull, the occasion carried an emotional edge. Briscoe's last home game before hanging up the boots ended in defeat, but the late rally gave the crowd something to roar about in a difficult season overall.

For Warrington, the picture is altogether rosier. Six straight wins, a top-two finish still achievable, and momentum building at exactly the right time of year. George Williams kicked two goals and steered his side around the park with the composure the run-in demands.

The Wolves now sit just a single win behind both Leeds and Wigan. With the regular season winding down, every point matters — and Warrington are collecting them at pace.