Hull FC will be looking to get back to winning ways on Thursday after yet another home defeat last weekend. John Cartwright’s men have now gone over a year without victory on home turf, and they will have to be at their best if they are to overcome an in-form Wakefield Trinity side.
Wakefield have won two of their last three, and will look to continue their strong performances of late. Wins over Wigan and Catalans, and close defeats to Leeds and Leigh will give them confidence they can push on and cement a playoff spot.
The sole change for the Black and Whites in the initial 21-man squad is youngster Will Hutchinson replacing Will Gardiner, however he is not expected to feature.
Oliver Russell was named in the Trinity 21-man squad, but has joined Salford Red Devils on a two-week loan deal, so he won’t feature for Daryl Powell this week.
Wakefield will have to keep Max Jowitt in the halves, with Jake Trueman still unavailable after leaving the field and failing a HIA against Hull KR two weeks ago.
Here is how we think both sides will line up:
There will be minimal changes, if any at all, for FC. Will Pryce and John Asiata are still weeks away from a return, which means one of either Zak Hardaker or Jordan Rapana will start at full back with the other playing in the centres.
Jed Cartwright is likely to be promoted to a starting second row spot with Jack Ashworth dropping to the bench.
Lewis Martin has impressed on the wing this season, having scored 12 tries in the league already.
Wakefield will remain without their promising youngster, Oliver Pratt, as he drops out of the initial 21. Cameron Scott is expected to retain his place at centre.
Jack Croft’s absence from the 21 could see a return for Seth Nikotemo, who missed last week’s win over the Dragons.
Hull FC vs Wakefield Trinity predicted teams:
Hull FC: 3. Zak Hardaker; 2. Harvey Barron, 1. Jordan Rapana, 20. Davy Litten, 22. Lewis Martin; 14. Cade Cust, 7. Aidan Sezer; 8. Herman Ese’ese, 9. Amir Bourouh, 40. Liam Knight; 11. Jed Cartwright, 4. Ed Chamberlain; 16. Yusuf Aydin.
Bench: 5. Tom Briscoe, 17. Jack Ashworth, 19. Brad Fash, 39. Sam Eseh.
Wakefield: 23. Josh Rourke; 2. Lachlan Walmsley, 3. Cameron Scott, 4. Corey Hall, 5. Tom Johnstone; 1. Max Jowitt, 20. Mason Lino; 8. Mike McMeeken, 28. Harvey Smith, 15. Caleb Uele; 11. Seth Nikotemo, 12. Josh Griffin; 13. Jay Pitts.
Bench: 9. Liam Hood, 14. Tommy Doyle, 18. Isaiah Vagana, 31. Caius Faatili
