This article was originally published in League Express.
HULL FC talent Mahe Fonua admitted it was a huge relief to finally get back to winning ways over the weekend as the race for the League Leaders’ Shield swayed back into their own hands ahead of the final round of Super 8s fixtures.
A Hull victory against Warrington in the Challenge Cup final rematch on Friday night will be enough to secure leg two of a potential treble, after Warrington’s loss to Wigan last Friday.
Fonua said that after two straight defeats following their Wembley triumph last month, the nervy win at Wakefield was one that finally settled their significant Cup Final hangover.
He said: “A lot of people have been talking about that Challenge Cup hangover and it did take it out of us.
“It’s taken us two weeks, but we’re back in the winners’ circle, so it’s good to turn things around.
“It wasn’t a stroll in the park but we got the two points and that’s what we needed going into next week to put our best foot forward for a home semi.
“If we get the League Leaders’ Shield that’s going to be a bonus this year. Our main focus is just to get a home semi as it’s going to be good to have 20,000 Hull fans at our home ground.”
Fonua, however, admits Hull will have to be wary of a Warrington side looking to exact revenge for their defeat at Wembley last month.
He added: “They are going to be up for redemption on Friday. For them to lose a game they were winning and see us come back with six minutes to go, they will be burning and I dare say they are holding on to that and will come and try and do a job on us at home.”
Fonua has now scored six tries in his last seven games following the decisive try on Thursday night, and the former Melbourne man insists he feels like he’s finding his feet at just the right time of the season.
“I do feel like I’m finding a bit of form,” he said.
“I’m getting some good comments from my family – well, you always get good comments from them. So that’s a little booster as well.
“It’s good to get that little pat on the back from them and close friends as well. It makes you want to strive that little bit harder.”