Catalans v Hull FC: Predicted line-ups and late injury news

After suffering only their second defeat of the season last time out, Catalans need to get back on the horse with a win over Hull FC. However, the Black and Whites themselves are in need of a win after three consecutive defeats which have left their top six hopes in peril.

After doing it tough against Saints with a number of youngsters trusted against the Champions, Catalans should be able to field a more experienced line-up for this clash. Sam Tomkins and Samisoni Langi will return to the backline after being late withdrawals against the Saints whilst Josh Drinkwater will return to the halves. But, what does this mean for livewire Arthur Mourgue? Well, I can see him starting at nine in place of the absent Alrix Da Costa especially considering is fine form recently. You might expect Michael McIlorum to be given the nod at hooker, however he’s not played in so long Steve McNamara may prefer to name him on the bench.

As for Hull, well they’re in the same spot Catalans were a week ago with a number of youngsters set to play thanks to the Covid-19 outbreak in their squad. Key players like Marc Sneyd and Chris Satae are subsequently unavailable leading to a mix and matched line-up. Ben McNamara will start in the halves whilst Adam Swift will again be trusted at fullback. That leaves a void to be filled by one of the four youngsters in Hull’s squad. It’s likely that either Marcus Walker or Joel Speed will start there. However, the Black and Whites will be boosted by the return of key forward Scott Taylor.

Catalans
29 Sam Tomkins
2 Tom Davies
4 Dean Whare
3 Samisoni Langi
5 Fouad Yaha
6 James Maloney
7 Josh Drinkwater
8 Gil Dudson
1 Arthur Mourgue
10 Julian Bousquet
27 Joe Chan
12 Mike McMeeken
17 Mickael Goudemand
Substitutes
9 Michael McIlorum
21 Corentin Le Cam
28 Sam Kasiano
30 Jordan Dezaria

Hull FC
21 Adam Swift
2 Bureta Faraimo
3 Carlos Tuimavave
24 Cameron Scott
32 Marcus Walker
6 Josh Reynolds
19 Ben McNamara
8 Scott Taylor
9 Danny Houghton
13 Ligi Sao
12 Manu Ma’u
16 Jordan Lane
15 Joe Cator
Substitutes
17 Brad Fash
20 Jack Brown
22 Josh Bowden
35 Will Wallis