Castleford Tigers v Hull FC team news as John Cartwright springs surprise

John Cartwright has named his first line-up as head coach of Hull FC and he’s sprung a couple of surprises, it’s fair to say. The Black and Whites take on Castleford Tigers in a friendly at Wheldon Road that doubles up as Joe Westerman’s testimonial fixture.

Cartwright has been in place in since the start of pre-season at Hull and he seen enough of Logan Moy to give him the start at full-back in their final game before the competitive action begins. The youngster broke onto the scene last season and will be eager to impress in his first run out of the calendar and nail down a starting spot.

That means Jordan Rapana makes his first Hull appearance at centre, while Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe and Harvey Barron make up the remainder of the outside backs with the latter getting the nod over Lewis Martin. Cade Cust and Aidan Sezer start together in the halves, while Amir Bourouh features in the hooker role.

Herman Ese’ese, Ligi Sao, Jordan Lane, Ed Chamberlain, John Asiata also get the nod to start against the Tigers.

Westerman starts on his special day, obviously, while Zac Cini, Daejarn Asi, Judah Rimbu and Jeremiah Simbiken make their first appearances on home soil from the start. Castleford lost heavily at Wakefield Trinity last week and Danny McGuire will be hoping to see a more of an encouraging performance.

Castleford Tigers: Tex Hoy; Josh Simm, Zac Cini, Sam Wood, Innes Senior; Judah Rimbu, Daejarn Asi; George Griffin, Liam Horne, George Lawler; Jeremiah Simbiken, Alex Mellor, Joe Westerman.

Bench: Liam Watts, Cain Robb, Luke Hooley, Muizz Mustapha, Sylvester Namo, Fletcher Rooney, Dan Okoro.

Hull FC: Logan Moy; Tom Briscoe, Zak Hardaker, Jordan Rapana, Harvey Barron; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Ligi Sao; Jordan Lane, Ed Chamberlain; John Asiata.

Bench: Jed Cartwright, Jack Ashworth, Brad Fash, Will Gardiner, Lewis Martin, Denive Balmforth, Zach Jebson, Ryan Westerman, Callum Kemp, Hugo Salabio, Lennon Clark, Will Hutchinson, Lloyd Kemp, Will Kirby, Joe Ward.