Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos team news as 12 ruled out and four in doubt

Two sides hoping to bounce back from disappointing Challenge Cup defeats are Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos.

The pair crashed out of the knockout competition to Leigh Leopards and Wakefield Trinity respectively, and both John Cartwright and Brad Arthur will be hoping for a response from their teams.

Luckily for Leeds, their form in the league has been up to standard so far, having won three of their opening four matches.

The same can’t be said for FC, who have failed to win since their opening round victory over Bradford Bulls.

The tie between the two will culminate round five of Super League, and before the 21-man squads are released later today, here is the early team news ahead of the clash at the MKM Stadium.

Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos ‘outs and doubts’

Hull FC:

The Black and Whites have seven confirmed absentees at this stage, including star full-back Will Pryce who continues his recovery from an ACL injury.

Pryce joins Harvey Barron (ankle), Joe Batchelor (calf), Jed Cartwright (hamstring) Herman Ese’ese (Achilles) on the sidelines, whilst youngsters Joe Ward (ACL) and Roman Dawson (knee) are also on the road to full fitness.

John Asiata is a doubt for FC, after boss Cartwright labelled him as a ‘bit wounded’ following the defeat to Leigh. Asiata has only recently come back from a long-term injury, so managing his return to play is key.

Centre Ryan Westerman (ankle) is not expected to feature in the 17, though the club did confirm he is close to being 100% and if selected it would mean he makes only his second Super League appearance.

Leeds Rhinos:

The only players ruled out through injury for Arthur this week are Max Simpson (ACL) and Alfie Edgell (knee), however trio Presley Cassell, Riley Lumb and Ned McCormack have all joined Huddersfield Giants on loan, so we know that those three won’t be in the 21.

Brodie Croft remains a doubt after missing the last two matches. His replacement, George Brown, suffered a knock in the defeat to Wakefield, and there is also a question mark over his fitness and whether he is healthy enough to feature.

Hull FC under pressure, Huddersfield Giants in crisis and shock Super League predictions – click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show