TOM Briscoe has lifted the lid on the post-match huddle which saw Hull FC’s players embrace their Salford Red Devils counterparts after Sunday’s blowout win at the MKM Stadium.
A Red Devils team comprised of academy players and loan signings, including six deubtants, went down 80-6 to the playoff-chasing Black and Whites in the final Betfred Super League match of Round 21, watched by representatives of the ownership group which has presided over Salford’s ongoing financial crisis since their takeover was approved in February.
Hull FC winger Briscoe scored his 100th try for thr club and moved to ninth on Super League’s all-time leading try-scorers list, but found little reason to celebrate at the end of the game as both teams came together for the hosts to offer some words of encouragement.
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“It was just a thanks,” Briscoe told BBC Radio Humberside. “Obviously they’re going through a really tough time around training and turning up every day to what is a very unknown situation ahead of them.
“But to still come out and still turn up against a scoreline like that is really tough.
“There are a lot of young players in there, but I suppose if we are talking about the mental side of things it’s tough for them to be in that situation, being defeated and being exposed to that at this stage in their careers.
“So just sticking at it, a bit of belief was the message, and just thanks from the club.”
The win moved Hull FC back into Super League’s top six, a point ahead of Wakefield Trinity, and boosted their points difference to +98.
Head coach John Cartwright was pleased with the professionalism from his side and the respect shown to Salford, but admitted it was a day of mixed emotions.
“We didn’t really know what to expect from the game with everything that’s happened with Salford,” Cartwright told BBC Radio Humberside.
“I suppose all we could do was try to be as disciplined and as professional as we could, and I thought our boys handled the occasion really well.
“They respected the opposition without any arrogance at all, played hard, and the Salford boys did their best.
“It was a tough situation for everyone.”
Briscoe made a point of going over to the travelling Salford fans who had made the 196-mile round trip to Hull and applauding them after the final hooter.
The 35-year-old felt it was important to recognise their support and empathised with how tough it must be for everyone at the club after enduring their own dismal run of results in 2024, albeit without the financial problems which Salford are facing.
“We went through it a bit last year,” Briscoe said.
“Different circumstances around it, but all of the players on the field had a similar feeling to what they’re going through.”
“We managed to come through it and we hope Salford do as well.”