Rohan Smith makes interesting Nene MacDonald decision

The Tony Smith era with Hull FC got off to a winning start although the result didn’t come as easy as first expected, a huge first half lead being cut to just a two point victory in the end.

Nevertheless Smith will have been happy to get off to a winning start although questions will have been asked surrounding the final 20 minutes in which Castleford were allowed back into the match.

Their opponents on Friday night, Leeds Rhinos, weren’t allowed the opportunity to get back into their opening round match, with Warrington stamping their authority and extending to a 42-10 victory, following a 30-0 lead at halftime.

The game kicks off at 20:00 at Headingley tonight.

TV coverage starts at 19:30 on Sky Sports Arena.

In terms of team news Nene MacDonald starts in the centres despite constant talk from Rohan Smith that he could start on the wing.

Smith had said of MacDonald repeatedly that he was just as likely to start on the wing to the point as which it seemed MacDonald would debut there.

Smith even said this week when asked: “You’re assuming he is going to play centre. I have said before I see him as a centre or a winger.

“He played wing and fullback in Australia. He played centre last year for Leigh but if he’d have played on the wing he would have had a big year too.”

However, he does indeed start at centre and instead David Fusitu’a and Derrell Olpherts starts on the wings with Ash Handley the stand in centre for the injured Harry Newman.

Cameron Smith moves to 13 after starting on the bench last week.

Rohan Smith has made two changes to his side to face Warrington with Nene Macdonald making his debut at centre and Cameron Smith starting at loose forward
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On the other side of things Liam Sutcliffe and Brad Dwyer both start against their former clubs.

Joe Lovodua starts at 13 with Tex Hoy and Jake Clifford also get their first sample of an away day in Super League.

Ben McNamara continues in the halves in place of the injured Jake Trueman and Joe Cator features on the bench in a huge set of interchanges.

He picked up a season ending injury at Headingley.

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📋 The team news is in for this evening's Betfred Super League Round 2 fixture against @leedsrhinos at Headingley Stadium.

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