Going into today’s game against bottom club Toulouse, there’s pressure on Hull FC to pick up a third consecutive win and a fifth consecutive home win to move back into the top four.
A triumph would also create breathing space between Hull and rivals Hull KR after the Robins were beaten by an injury hit Leeds side last night.
However, with no recognised halfback in Brett Hodgson’s 21-man squad for the game with both Luke Gale and Josh Reynolds suspended, it’s going to be tougher than people might expect.
That was of course the main problem Hodgson had to address in his team selection and he has done so in an interesting way naming Jordan Johnstone alongside Joe Lovodua in the halves.
Lovodua has become a very good option in the halves for Hull FC this season due to his explosivity but Johnstone’s inclusion there is somewhat surprising but having played a lot of rugby at hooker, it’s a move that could work especially with Danny Houghton named at nine meaning he could help take the pressure of his halves with some savvy distribution from behind the ruck.
Denive Balmforth meanwhile is a surprise inclusion on the bench with the 18-year-old set to make his debut.
๐จ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐ข๐ฏ๐! ๐๐ฅณ
๐ The team news is in for this afternoon's Betfred Super League Round 11 clash against @TOXIII at the MKM Stadium…
๐ค Brought to you in association with @JadanPress.
โซ๏ธโช๏ธ #COYH | @AtropaPharmacy
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) April 30, 2022
