Hull FC host Leeds Rhinos on Sunday afternoon but John Cartwright will have some key decisions to make after a crucial double injury blow.
There were minor concerns for John Asiata after last week’s Challenge Cup loss to Leigh but the loose forward has been named in the 21-man squad for Sunday, with a positive update coming from John Cartwright.
However, Hull FC have other problems with playmaker and captain Aidan Sezer suffering from a pectoral injury, whilst forward Yusuf Aydin has picked up an ankle issue.
As such both men have been ruled out for Sunday and they join an already lengthy injury list that includes Will Pryce (ACL), Harvey Barron (ankle), Herman Ese’ese (Achilles), Joe Batchelor (calf) and Jed Cartwright (hamstring).
It means John Cartwright will have to make a big decision on who partners Jake Arthur in the halves, and we’ve looked at who could line up on Sunday at the MKM Stadium.
Predicted Hull FC line-up
Full-back: Zak Hardaker
Handed the full-back spot last week, Hardaker looks set to retain it as youngster Logan Moy still searches for match fitness.
Wingers: Tom Briscoe and Lewis Martin
With Harvey Barron out, it’s 36-year-old Tom Briscoe who is likely to continue on the wing with the veteran set to play against his former club.
Centres: Davy Litten and Arthur Romano
Litten has been moved back to centre from full-back after a couple of nervy nights under the high ball and it’s likely he’ll continue there alongside off-season signing Arthur Romano.
Halves: Cade Cust and Jake Arthur
With Aidan Sezer out, it’s possible that Jake Arthur moves into the number seven role and utility man Cade Cust takes on the role of the running six though Callum Kemp could be a consideration here.
Hooker: Amir Bourouh
Bourouh has started every game so far this season and he could be tasked with playing long minutes if Cust plays in the halves.
Props: Harvie Hill and Ligi Sao
Yusuf Aydin drops out so Ligi Sao could be the man to start at prop alongside this year’s standout for Hull FC in Harvie Hill.
Second-rows: James Bell and Connor Bailey
With Joe Batchelor and Jed Cartwright out injured, this pair could forge a strong relationship in the second-row with the off-season signings starting to click.
Loose forward: John Asiata
Hull FC are so much better when John Asiata is on the field and the Black and Whites will be hopeful he can play long minutes in this game.
Interchanges: Sam Lisone, Matty Laidlaw, Brad Fash and Will Hutchinson
Young hooker Will Hutchinson was brought into the 21-man squad this week and he could serve as the utility off the bench alongside Sam Lisone and Brad Fash, whilst Matty Laidlaw could also be called onto the bench after time out on loan.
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