The Tony Smith era with Hull FC got off to a winning start although the result didn’t come as easy as first expected, a huge first half lead being cut to just a two point victory in the end.
Nevertheless Smith will have been happy to get off to a winning start although questions will have been asked surrounding the final 20 minutes in which Castleford were allowed back into the match.
Their opponents on Friday night, Leeds Rhinos, weren’t allowed the opportunity to get back into their opening round match, with Warrington stamping their authority and extending to a 42-10 victory, following a 30-0 lead at halftime.
Tony Smith will take a strong side to Headingley to face his nephew Rohan, making just one changed from the opening round winning squad.
Youngster Harvey Barron is brought in to replace the injured Ligi Sao who is recovering from a dead leg.
📋 Tony Smith has named his 21-man squad for Friday's Betfred Super League Round 2 clash against Leeds Rhinos.
🤝 Brought to you in association with @JadanPress.
Squad News 👇
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) February 22, 2023
Captain Carlos Tuimavave still remains out as he also recovers from injury, as do the likes of Jake Trueman, Connor Wynne, Miteli Vulikijapani and Jamie Shaul.
That still leaves Smith with a strong side, one that includes former Rhinos Liam Sutcliffe and Brad Dywer who will return to their old stomping ground after impressing on debut.
They’ll line up against a Leeds side that has finally got Sutcliffe’s replacement ready for action, with the Papua New Guinea star centre Nene Macdonald being named among Rohan Smith’s 21-man squad.
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