When Leeds meet Hull FC always expect fireworks especially this season. Since 2017 when the two teams came away with one of the major trophies each, neither side has met their own lofty expectations.
That leaves extra pressure on this fixture especially for the Rhinos. Leeds have won just one game in the opening four leaving their title ambitions in question. A win here would certainly help them maintain the positive direction they started with a win over Wakefield last week.
As for Hull FC, they’re desperate to return to the play-offs after missing out in 2021. Their start to the season has been a mixed bag with defeats to St Helens and Castleford as well as victories over Wakefield and Salford. A win at Headingley would certainly be a statement.
Kick-off time and TV channel
The game takes place at Headingley and kicks off at 8pm.
TV coverage begins on Sky Sports Arena at 7:30pm.
Predicted line-ups
Leeds Rhinos
Despite victory at Wakefield last week, Richard Agar is going to have to shuffle the pack tonight. Leeds have lost skipper Kruise Leeming to a one-match ban as well as forward Cameron Smith. Meanwhile, Harry Newman has picked up another hamstring problem after a try and assist at Belle Vue. Fortunately, Alex Mellor and James Donaldson are back from injury and will help replace Smith and Newman with Tom Briscoe – who started on the bench last week – moving into the starting 13 to cover right centre. Meanwhile, young Corey Johnson will come in to replace Kruise Leeming. Perhaps more of a natural starting nine compared to super sub Brad Dwyer, we may even see him start. Morgan Gannon could also be awarded a start once again after signing a new deal with the club today which you can read about here.
1 Jack Walker
2 David Fusitu’a
20 Tom Briscoe
4 Liam Sutcliffe
5 Ash Handley
6 Blake Austin
7 Aidan Sezer
8 Mikolaj Oledzki
26 Corey Johnson
10 Matt Prior
21 Morgan Gannon
12 Rhyse Martin
13 Zane Tetevano
Substitutes
14 Brad Dwyer
19 Bodene Thompson
15 Alex Mellor
25 James Donaldson
Hull FC
Like Leeds, Hull are going to have to make a number of changes. Not only is skipper and former Leeds star Luke Gale still suspended, but halfback partner Josh Reynolds has now picked up an injury as has Jordan Lane and Darnell McIntosh joining the likes of Carlos Tuimavave in the treatment room. All of this leaves massive questions the side especially the backs. Jake Connor may have to move to six with Jamie Shaul taking over at fullback after starting last week on the wing. Although don’t be surprised to see either Danny Houghton or Joe Lovodua in the halves with Brett Hodgson himself noting their potential to step in. Nonetheless, if we do see Connor at six we will subsequently see Mitieli Vulikijapani on the flank. As for the pack, Jordan Lane may be replaced in the backrow by Joe Lovodua after he started there against Salford recently. One boost for the Black and Whites is the potential return of Joe Cator who may figure on the bench.
29 Jamie Shaul
25 Mitieli Vulikijapani
23 Connor Wynne
4 Josh Griffin
2 Adam Swift
1 Jake Connor
19 Ben McNamara
8 Ligi Sao
9 Danny Houghton
10 Chris Satae
11 Andre Savelio
14 Joe Lovodua
17 Brad Fash
Substitutes
15 Joe Cator
16 Kane Evans
20 Jack Brown
21 Jordan Johnstone
