Two struggling big teams meet today needing a win to turn things around.
Hull FC have lost the last couple whilst injuries to Jake Connor and Luke Gale alongside Josh Reynolds’ release has ravaged their spine.
As for Leeds, after that encouraging win against Warrington the Rhinos have come crashing back down to earth and were humbled last week against St Helens. Their play-off hopes almost dead and buried a win here is a must if they want to keep their season alive.
Kick-off time and TV channel
The game will kick off at 15:00.
There is sadly no live TV coverage but BBC will show highlights on the Super League Show.
Predicted Line-ups
Hull FC
The injuries to Adam Swift, Luke Gale and Manu Ma’u leave Brett Hodgson in a difficult spot as does the loss of Mitieli Vulikijapani to suspension. Connor Wynne may have to move onto the wing in place of Swift whilst Josh Griffin and Cameron Scott come into the centres. Danny Houghton may have to take over at seven alongside Joe Lovodua with Jordan Johnstone at nine whilst young hooker Denive Balmforth starts on the bench for his second appearance. Ligi Sao could move into the backrow spot where he played against Leeds at Headingley as Hull went for extra size and may do again. Brad Fash would subsequently start at 13 in a pack full of size.
29 Jamie Shaul
5 Darnell McIntosh
24 Cameron Scott
4 Josh Griffin
23 Connor Wynne
14 Joe Lovodua
9 Danny Houghton
16 Kane Evans
21 Jordan Johnstone
10 Chris Satae
13 Jordan Lane
8 Ligi Sao
17 Brad Fash
Substitutes
20 Jack Brown
30 Scott Taylor
27 Jacob Hookem
33 Denive Balmforth
Leeds Rhinos
The key to figuring out the Leeds team lies at fullback. Rohan Smith has options at one. Will he stick with Zak Hardaker or twist with Richie Myler or the returning Jack Walker? The suspension of Harry Newman could lead some to suggest that Hardaker could move to centre with Myler at one and the returning Brad Dwyer on the bench. However, Liam Sutcliffe is also due back and the performances of Rhyse Martin at centre could see him remain there especially due to his size as it would be a way of effectively having another forward in the team to combat the size Hull will bring. Hardaker could feature on the wing if Ash Handley is injured with a minor doubt hanging over Leeds’ top scorer. However, if everyone’s fit Hardaker will likely remain at the back with Richie Myler on the bench like last week. Morgan Gannon will come into the backrow in place of Bodene Thompson.
33 Zak Hardaker
2 David Fusitu’a
12 Rhyse Martin
4 Liam Sutcliffe
5 Ash Handley
6 Blake Austin
7 Aidan Sezer
8 Mikolaj Oledzki
9 Kruise Leeming
10 Matt Prior
11 James Bentley
21 Morgan Gannon
17 Cameron Smith
Substitutes
16 Richie Myler
22 Sam Walters
24 Jarrod O’Connor
25 James Donaldson
