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

Sunday’s rugby is kicked off by a titanic clash between Hull and Huddersfield – two sides expected to have stellar 2021s. The Giants, after a winter of fantastic recruitment, are considered the dark horses of Super League taking the mantle from Hull who last year were surrounded by similar hype. Both have new coaches with the Giants now led by the impressive Ian Watson whilst ex-Huddersfield fullback Brett Hodgson is now in charge of Hull.

Hull have almost a full compliment of players from which to choose. Jamie Shaul is the only major injury faced by the Black and Whites as he struggles with an ACL. Otherwise, Hodgson was a fully fit squad. He has a conundrum on the wing and I’ve elected to go for Adam Swift ahead of Bureta Faraimo after he started ahead of Faraimo in the friendly against York.

As for the Giants, there two natural fullbacks are out injured in the shape of Ashton Golding and Olly Ashall-Bott. With that in mind I’ve gone for Lee Gaskell at fullback and expect Jack Cogger to debut at 6. Also missing are Michael Lawrence and Joe Wardle. Ricky Leutele, Joe Greenwood and others are also likely to debut.

Hull FC

1. Jake Connor

21. Adam Swift

3. Carlos Tuimavave

4. Josh Griffin

5. Mahe Fonua

6. Josh Reynolds

7. Marc Sneyd

8. Scott Taylor

9. Danny Houghton

10. Chris Satae

11. Andre Savelio

12. Manu Ma’u

16. Jordan Lane

Substitutions

13. Ligi Sao

14. Jordan Johnstone

17. Brad Fash

22. Josh Bowden

Huddersfield Giants

6. Lee Gaskell

2. Jermain McGilvery

3. Jake Wardle

4. Ricky Leutele

5. Darnell McIntosh

16. Jack Cogger

7. Aidan Sezer

22. James Gavet

19. James Cunningham

8. Luke Yates

11. Kenny Edwards

17. Chris McQueen

13. Josh Jones

Substitutions

9. Adam O’Brien

14. Matty English

15. Joe Greenwood

18. Jack Ashworth