Hull FC make the trip to Wakefield Trinity this evening in what promises to be an intriguing Super League clash. Wakefield have made a strong start to their first season back in the top flight, beating Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos and they’ll have every right to fancy their chances of picking up their first home win against the Black and Whites.
Hull make the journey to West Yorkshire on the back of claiming five points in their opening four league games and they’ll be riding high in confidence after knocking Wigan Warriors out of the Challenge Cup at the Brick Community Stadium.
With that in mind, here’s how we think both sides might line up.
Let’s start with Wakefield and the change that Daryl Powell all but confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon with Josh Rourke coming in for the injured Max Jowitt at full-back. Rourke was signed to provide competition for Jowitt at full-back and it seems as though he’ll be a straight swap for the Trinity talisman.
Cam Scott is fit again, but Oliver Pratt has been performing well in his absence and the former Hull man might have to wait for his chance. In fact, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Rourke was the only man to come into Powell’s backline this week.
There will be at least two changes in the pack, though, with Matty Storton and Isaiah Vagana being ruled out. That opens the door for Josh Griffin to make his first appearance of the season in the back-row, while Jay Pitts could return to the starting line-up in a move that would see Mike McMeeken return to the front row.
Ky Rodwell has returned this week and he could be named on the bench for the Hull clash, with Caius Faatili, Harvey Smith and Renouf Atoni.
Hull FC boss John Cartwright will make at least one change to his starting line-up, with Harvey Barron ruled out with a hamstring issue. Ed Chamberlain’s fitness could see him moved into the starting line-up, though, with Tom Briscoe set to take up the wing spot.
Bringing in Logan Moy would be the alternative, with Jordan Rapana moved into the line and that’s certainly something Cartwright will be mulling over. Expect the starting pack to remain unchanged. but it’s fair to assume that Liam Watts is in line for his second Hull debut, with the forward named in the squad. He could be on the bench alongside Liam Knight and Brad Fash.
Predicted Wakefield Trinity side: Josh Rourke; Tom Johnstone, Oliver Pratt, Corey Hall, Lachlan Walmsley; Jake Trueman, Mason Lino; Mike McMeeken, Liam Hood, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Josh Griffin, Jack Croft, Jay Pitts.
Bench: Caius Faatili, Renouf Atoni, Harvey Smith, Ky Rodwell
Predicted Hull FC side: Jordan Rapana, Tom Briscoe, Ed Chamberlain, Zak Hardaker, Lewis Martin; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Jack Ashworth; Jed Cartwright, Jordan Lane; John Asiata.
Bench: Liam Knight, Liam Watts, Brad Fash, Logan Moy.
