Wakefield Trinity recall star player for Hull FC clash in efforts to distance themselves from relegation rivals Castleford Tigers

Tony Smith’s Hull FC host Wakefield Trinity today with the match being of huge importance to both side, for the Black and Whites a loss would likely mean the end of their playoff dreams whilst if Trinity were to win then they’d put clear daylight between themselves and relegation rivals Castleford Tigers.

Trinity head to the KCOM Stadium in a rich vein of form as they have won four of their last six matches, however all of those victories have come at Belle Vue with their faithful fans behind them.

As for Hull FC they’ve won three of their last four, with the loss against Huddersfield last week denting their playoff hopes massively.

Within that streak of three wins, two came at the KCOM including a win over St Helens showing that Tony Smith’s men more than have the pedigree but against a motivated and in form Wakefield how will they fare?

They’ll be missing Liam Sutcliffe with the centre ruled out after having left the match against the Giants early on account of a fractured finger.

Not only did Sutcliffe break his finger but the bone actually ruptured the skin with the skin then being ‘degloved’, a very painful and gruesome injury.

Captain Carlos Tuimavave returned to the 21 man squad and he could feature in place of the ex Rhinos man, with the team news now confirmed and Tuimavave has indeed been used as a like for like replacement for Sutcliffe.

Ligi Sao is the other player who drops out with Jack Brown replacing the prop.

📋 The team news is in for this afternoon's Betfred Super League Round 21 clash against @WTrinityRL at the MKM Stadium…

🤝 In association with @JadanPress.

⚫️⚪️ #COYH | @ecostrad

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) August 6, 2023

As for Wakefield they ruled out Will Dagger and Liam Kay last week through minor knocks, Mark Applegarth telling BBC West Yorkshire that the pair were ’50/50′ for that game against Warrington.

With the pair named in the 21 man squad, Applegarth was asked if he dare change a winning formula the Trinity boss responded: “It’s a luxury I’ve not had all year so I’d rather have them sort of headaches than some of the headaches that we’ve had in previous weeks. That’s coaching isn’t it? It’s a lot better position to be in than struggling to name a 17-man squad.”

The team news is now in and sees Renouf Atoni drop to the bench so that Kay can start at loose forward whilst Will Dagger will start from the bench.

Last weekend’s four try hero Innes Senior features again with the Gale and Lino halves partnership set to continue.

📋TEAM NEWS FOR HULL FC.

🔙Liam Kay and Will Dagger return.
🪄A Gale and Lino partnership again.
🔥Lineham and Senior on the wings.@WDHcarelink pic.twitter.com/Yzrav3mQzH

— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) August 6, 2023