Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC will both fancy their chances of getting to the Challenge Cup Final in 2022 such has been the start of their respective seasons.
Last week the Giants even downed last year’s League Leaders’ Shield winners Catalans Dragons underlining their early season potential.
As for Hull FC they gave Wigan a run for their money away from home having beaten Huddersfield in the league shortly before as they push for a place in the early season top four.
Team News:
Both Theo Fages and Josh Jones have come through unscathed after their return from injury last week and are set to feature tomorrow. Unfortunately, there is no Olly Russell through concussion protocols. There is of course still no Will Pryce so Joe Cogger could figure in the halves once more.
Hull FC could welcome back Josh Reynolds after recovering from an elbow injury. He comes into the 21-man squad in place of Connor Wynne who scored a hat-rtick against Sheffield in the last round of the cup.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Tui Lolohea vs Jake Connor: Two of the league’s best performers recently tussle at fullback. Both are already in double figures in terms of assists. Always dangerous both as runners and creators, if they play at their best this will be some cup tie.
Danny Levi vs Joe Lovodua: Joe Lovodua may not have played much at hooker recently but both he and Danny Levi have shone at the start of the season due to their blend of dynamic runs, explosivity and skill which makes them a handful for any side. Up against each other we could see some exhilarating rugby.
Chris Hill vs Chris Satae: Two of the league’s best but most unappreciated props collide down the middle looking to give their team the platform they need to win. Both strong runners, this should be a titanic tussle.
Where the game will be won and lost:
A cup clash between two evenly matched teams, it’s hard to diagnose just where and how this game will be won. The Giants did a wonderful job of containing Catalans’ pack last week and their big men have been brilliant all season. Emulating that here will be key but Hull FC are very capable of matching that. If they do, the match could be decided like men like Tui Lolohea, Jake Connor or even Luke Gale who won a Challenge Cup with his boot in 2020.
Score Prediction: Huddersfield Giants 20-21 Hull FC
