In many ways, this could be the game of the round. Both Hull FC and Huddersfield come into the game on the back of impressive wins and meet hoping to continue their impressive starts to the season.
Hull FC have won three of their opening five and were particularly good at Headingley last week. Inspired by Jake Connor, who something to prove having been left out of the England squad again, the Black and Whites dismantled Leeds and will hope to cause Huddersfield similar problems.
As for Huddersfield they’ve only lost once and were arguably the better team that day at Wigan despite defeat. Ian Watson has his team playing fantastic and effective rugby and they’ll hope to stay second with a win over the Black and Whites.
Team News
Hull FC have lost Kane Evans to suspension this week alongside injured duo Jamie Shaul and Joe Cator. They do have Jordan Lane back from a back injury whilst Manu Ma’u is fit for the first time this season.
As for Huddersfield, there’s still no Theo Fages but Jermaine McGillvary is still going strong set for his 350th appearance. Nathan Mason has been named in the 21-man squad for the first time in 2022.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Jake Connor vs Tui Lolohea: In the game’s most intriguing battle, two of Super League’s in form fullbacks meet. Recently, Ian Watson branded Lolohea as the league’s best fullback at the moment whilst Jake Connor comes into the match on the back of an inspired display against Leeds laying down a marker in the race to figure as Shaun Wane’s England fullback at the World Cup. Both will likely catch the eye in the game.
Ben McNamara vs Oliver Russell: Two young halfbacks given the responsibility of leading their team around the field will battle tomorrow. Both dangerous players in their own right, the one who gives the better platform to their attacking teammates like Connor and Lolohea will likely lead their team to victory.
Andre Savelio vs Chris McQueen: Two of the league’s in-form backrowers will look to give their side the advantage they need in the middle of the field. Savelio scored a deserved try at Headingley last week as the Black and Whites stole a march on the Rhinos down centre field. He’s up against an experienced and dangerous Chris McQueen who has been scoring tries for fun in 2022.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Hull, missing much of their spine, will look to play the game narrowly as they did at Leeds to such effect last week. That will likely give them field position and a chance to post points. It’ll be down to Huddersfield’s own brilliant middles led by Chris Hill to restrict this game plan. The Giants will subsequently look to stretch the contest through the likes of Will Pryce and Russell. If they can, they’ll continue to post points as they’ve done all season. At the end of the day it will likely be the likes of Pryce who give Huddersfield the edge with so many attacking weapons sat on the sidelines for Hull.
Score Prediction: Hull FC 16-26 Huddersfield Giants
