Hull FC take on Salford Red Devils this afternoon as they look to claim what would be just their second home win all season. Given Salford’s troubles this week, the expectation is that the Black and Whites put a big score on Paul Rowley’s side.
The Red Devils have seen four senior players leave this week but seven players have arrived on loan with former Hull man Brad Dwyer being the latest to come through the door on a short-term basis. We’ve already predicted how Salford might line-up, with plenty of changes on the way, but Hull boss John Cartwright looks set to name a very different team, too.
With a play-off spot in their crosshairs, they aren’t expected to take any chances when it comes to selection, with Cartwright almost certainly set to name his strongest line-up and that XIII is unquestionably stronger with the inclusions of John Asiata and Will Pryce.
The pair have been out since May with hamstring injuries, but they’ve been named in the 21-man squad this week and both are expected to start.
Asiata will take the loose-forward spot, of course, with Yusuf Aydin available to play there later in the game should he need to be spelled. Pryce, on the other hand, is expected to take up the number one role, with Cartwright confirming as much in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
That’s despite the performances of Zak Hardaker at full-back of late, with Pryce being recognised as the best full-back option at the club moving forward.
The change means Hardaker can expect to replace the injured Jordan Rapana in the centres and he looks set to play on the inside shoulder of Harvey Barron.
Amir Bourouh can be expected to start this week and that’s a change that could see Cade Cust moved back into the halves, with Jack Charles claiming a bench spot.
With Liam Knight being ruled out for what looks to be the rest of the season, there’s a spot open in the starting front-row line-up and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Liam Watts take that up, with Sam Eseh, Aydin and Jack Ashworth set to come off the bench in support.
Ed Chamberlain’s fitness means he can step into the back-row once more.
Predicted Hull FC side v Salford Red Devils
Predicted Hull FC line-up: Will Pryce; Harvey Barron, Zak Hardaker, Davy Litten, Lewis Martin; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Liam Watts; Ed Chamberlain, Jed Cartwright; John Asiata
Bench: Sam Eseh, Jack Ashworth, Jack Charles, Yusuf Aydin.
