Hull FC receive boost ahead of Catalans’ clash with Sam Tomkins missing from Dragons’ squad

Hull FC travel to Perpignan for the Friday early evening fixture in a clash that could decide which team tops the table.

Both teams have two wins from two at the moment and have looked impressive in their victories as well which will add an extra element to this fixture.

Earlier on Tony Smith had announced a side that featured the returns of Ligi Sao and Jamie Shaul in place of the suspended Scott Taylor and youngster Harvey Barron.

That was a boost for FC who get the return of their prop who had been suffering from a dead leg sustained during pre-season.

A further boost has come with the Catalans’ team news as it has been revealed that two time Man of Steel winner Sam Tomkins won’t feature for the French outfit, having not been named in Steve McNamara’s 21-man squad.

It comes after Tomkins returned last week and was named as Man of the Match in Catalans’ victory over Leigh, however it seems he may have been rushed back too soon given his absence in this squad.

It’s not all positive for Hull FC though as the Dragons do see some returning stars, principally Tyrone May and Mike McMeeken who both underwent surgery following injuries sustained at the World Cup.

May dislocated his hip in the England Samoa opening fixture whilst McMeeken underwent surgery on his arm, the one that he had broken early during the 2022 season.

Former Hull FC star Manu Ma’u also returns and will be joined by former Sydney Roosters powerhouse Siua Taukeiaho.

The four new faces replace Tomkins, Matt Whitley, Loan Castano and Tanguy Zenon.

🏉 𝗟𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗣𝗘
𝑃𝑟𝑒́𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒́ 𝑝𝑎𝑟 𝑍𝑜𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑐

Steve McNamara a dévoilé son groupe pour la réception de @hullfcofficial

🇫🇷 https://t.co/ScojPkdsm2
🇬🇧 https://t.co/Z9yp3Klymk pic.twitter.com/VtmheuPQMb

— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) March 1, 2023