Hull FC Vs Castleford Tigers Combined Team

The Betfred Super League really returned with a bang in round one, and no doubt round two will be much more of the same, starting with an exciting Yorkshire rivalry on Thursday between Hull FC and Castleford Tigers.

Hull have lost their last 12 matches whereas the Tigers returned to winning ways against Catalans last week, so the visitors should start as favourites, but this is rugby league, where anything is possible!

 

Full-back – Jamie Shaul

First up is former Dream Team and England international Jamie Shaul.

The 26-year-old has demonstrated the capability of opening up any defence, having caused problems in the derby last week.

Though he showed hesitation of claiming the high ball, Shaul remains a threat regardless and should keep the Tigers busy throughout.

 

Wingers – Bureta Faraimo & Greg Eden

A mix as Hull’s Bureta Faraimo and Castleford’s Greg Eden are selected.

Faraimo enjoyed a strong performance last week, scoring a superb try and amassing over 200 metres with ball in hand, really showing his worth in replacing the highly respected Mahe Fonua.

Eden meanwhile is a record holder, who could forget his 41 tries in 2017? He added another two last week against Catalan, even making over 100 metres for good measure, thereby making this an interesting battle heading into this one!

 

Centres – Carlos Tuimavave & Michael Shenton

Next up is Hull’s adaptable Carlos Tuimavave and Castleford captain Michael Shenton.

Tuimavave has proved a constant threat during his time in Super League, able to adapt between positions such as centre and half-back.

He is also a powerful runner, able to prize open any defence at random, but as his opposite number here Shenton.

Shenton has had a significant responsibility in Eden’s try scoring, helping him to another two last week, but also had the ability to lead by example, guiding the Tigers to successful seasons in 2016 and 2017.

Arguably the most interesting head-to-head going into this game considering the similarities between the two.

 

Stand-off – Jake Connor

An obvious choice as returning from suspension is the highly controversial yet successful Jake Connor.

The “snake” as he is referred to, is set for his first competitive game after a superb international series with England and will be eager to impress and finally get FC back to winning ways.

Not only having the ability to kick goals and produce accurate game play kicking, but his ball handling and of course, his attitude, has seen him get under the opposition’s “skin” something all teams should have going forward.

 

Scrum-half – Jordan Rankin

At scrum-half is Castleford’s latest recruit in Jordan Rankin. Having arrived from Huddersfield, Rankin enjoyed a debut win against Catalans and now faces his former club in his first away match.

No doubt he’ll receive a reception at the KCOM stadium, Rankin is a fan favourite with Hull and should slowly repeat as such with the Tigers faithful.

He is certainly one to watch, possessing plenty of speed, a kicking game and a tricky side-step and should pose a threat throughout.

 

Props – Scott Taylor & Liam Watts

In the front-row sees former team mates Scott Taylor and Liam Watts selected.

Taylor arguably carried the Hull forwards last year and did so again last week, despite the losing run.

He is easily Hull’s most consistent player, always able to make plenty of metres and come up with some strong defending, but as is Watts.

Watts made over 180 metres last week and completed a staggering 43 tackles that kept Catalans’ attack highly restricted and could very well be the difference here against his former club.

 

Hooker – Paul McShane

At hooker is one of Castleford’s unsung heroes in Paul McShane.

Arguably one of the league’s most underrated players, McShane is highly consistent.

His attack sees him cause trouble for any opposition defence, proving to be devastating from the ruck time and time again.

Even his defence, having completed 35 tackles last week in a tense game, McShane can always be counted on to lead in the pack in what should be an exciting battle opposite former Man of Steel Danny Houghton.

Second-row – Sika Manu & Jesse Sene-Lefao

The back row sees Kiwi duo Jesse Sene-Lefao and Sika Manu selected.

Both possess international experience for Samoa and Tonga respectively. Manu is highly potent in attack, beating several defenders last week to score last week but is also skilful with ball in hand and in defence as well as a strong runner.

But as is Sene-Lefao, having finished as Castleford’s highest metre-making forward in 2017, he should easily prove a match for Manu when it comes to supporting the front row.

 

Loose-forward – Adam Milner

Last up is Castleford’s adaptable forward in Adam Milner.

Overlooked by many, Milner is another underrated player as, with McShane, has the ability to rotate between hooker and loose-forward to keep the opposition guessing.

This could prove to be the difference here as Hull lack numbers in the pack, something Milner can help exploit and see the Tigers to back-to-back wins.