Hull FC host Leeds Rhinos at the MKM Stadium looking to defend their play-off place against one of Super League’s most in-form sides.
The Black and Whites play at 3 pm, just over two hours before play-off rivals Wakefield Trinity host Huddersfield Giants, and FC will be hoping to get two points on the board against Leeds so that Daryl Powell’s side can’t leapfrog them.
Wakefield have a far easier run-in with Hull FC knowing that they will likely have to beat a team such as Leeds Rhinos or even Hull KR if they’re to make the top six, however, they will have to do so without a number of key players.
Last week’s defeat to St Helens came after a season-ending injury to John Asiata was confirmed and in the aftermath of an ankle injury to Will Pryce. Matters didn’t get easier as Jed Cartwright dislocated his shoulder early on against the Saints, something which has now been confirmed to be another season-ending injury.
Leeds are not 100% fit either so the Black and Whites could have a chance. Based on the 21-man squads and coach comments, we’ve predicted how each team could line up.
Hull FC team news
With no Pryce, Asiata, Cartwright, Liam Knight or Sam Eseh, John Cartwright has a lot to contend with and it could result in players out of position and contingency plans on the bench.
Both Kemp brothers have been named to the 21-man squad and they could be the answer to utility but Tom Briscoe’s experience might be selected as he will be able to cover either wing or centre, should full-back Zak Hardaker have to be moved to the second-row as he has been a lot this season.
Hardaker should be able to start at one with the second-row bolstered by the fact Liam Watts can return at prop. Jordan Lane could start in the second-row with Ed Chamberlain whilst the likes of Jack Ashworth and Matty Laidlaw offer impact off the bench.
Amir Bourouh may have to play the full 80 or the likes of Hardaker or Rapana may replace Cust in the halves, with Briscoe then slotting into the backs as required.
Predicted Hull FC XIII: Zak Hardaker; Harvey Barron, Jordan Rapana, Davy Litten, Lewis Martin; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Liam Watts; Ed Chamberlain, Jordan Lane, Yusuf Aydin
Interchanges: Jack Ashworth, Brad Fash, Matty Laidlaw, Tom Briscoe
John Cartwright has named his 21-man squad ahead of Saturday’s Betfred Super League R24 clash with @leedsrhinos 📋
Read 👉 https://t.co/zO2CAoAM2s
⚫️⚪️ #COYH | https://t.co/69MwiDLr4u pic.twitter.com/LJPxoZrjGA
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) August 28, 2025
Leeds Rhinos team news
Leeds are without Ash Handley giving Brad Arthur a headache in the centres but he will likely call on the reliable Kallum Watkins to do a role, especially since a number of pack players are returning.
Mikolaj Oledzki is expected to start whilst loanee Joe Shorrocks can take the loose forward role where Watkins has played at times. That would see Presley Cassell bumped to the bench, something that is unlucky given his form.
He’d join future Hull FC man Sam Lisone, recent stand-in prop James Bentley and hooker Andy Ackers on the bench with Leeds looking strong all over despite both co-captains Handley and Cam Smith being out.
Predicted Leeds Rhinos XIII: Lachie Miller; Ryan Hall, Harry Newman, Kallum Watkins, Chris Hankinson; Brodie Croft, Jake Connor; Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Keenan Palasia; Morgan Gannon, James McDonnell, Joe Shorrocks
Interchanges: Sam Lisone, James Bentley, Presley Cassell, Andy Ackers
Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brad Arthur has named his 21 man squad to travel to Hull FC this Saturday.
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) August 28, 2025
