Wakefield Trinity v Hull FC: Predicted line-ups and late injury news

In the last game of 2021, Wakefield inflicted Hull’s ninth defeat of their last 10 fixtures as Hull FC’s play-off hopes went up in smoke. Today, the two teams meet in Round One of Super League XXVII as both begin what they hope will be a more fruitful 2022 but how will each coach set up their team with designs on claiming the first two points of the year.

The point of discussion in Wakefield’s team selection is where and if Lee Gaskell features in Willie Poching’s first team of the year. Poching previously stated that he was happy to play Gaskell at either fullback or in the halves but with outstanding players across the spine, it leaves Poching with a a major decision to make. Even if he doesn’t start, he could be included on the bench as an impact sub. That said, there is a rumour that there are plans to not include him at all. Elsewhere in the side, Corey Hall could very well make his competitive debut for Wakefield at centre with Bill Tupou unavailable. Liam Hood and Tom Lineham will likely debut at hooker and on the wing respectively.

Meanwhile, the big story at Hull is Jake Connor. Just a fortnight on from a broken hand he was included in Brett Hodgson’s 21-man squad. However, it seems unlikely that he’ll play especially with Jamie Shaul included in the squad as well. Elsewhere Darnell McIntosh, Luke Gale and Joe Lovodua will all debut on the wing, scrum-half and off the bench respectively. There could also be a return for Josh Griffin after months out injured and Josh Reynolds however neither is set in stone with neither featuring in pre-season.

Wakefield
1 Max Jowitt
5 Tom Lineham
4 Reece Lyne
30 Corey Hall
2 Tom Johnstone
6 Jacob Miller
7 Mason Lino
8 Eddie Battye
9 Liam Hood
10 Tinirau Arona
11 Matty Ashurst
13 Jay Pitts
14 Jordy Crowther
Substitutes
12 Kelepi Tanginoa
16 Hames Batchelor
17 Lee Gaskell
35 David Fifita

Hull FC
29 Jamie Shaul
5 Darnell McIntosh
3 Carlos Tuimavave
4 Josh Griffin
2 Adam Swift
6 Josh Reynolds
7 Luke Gale
8 Ligi Sao
9 Danny Houghton
10 Chris Satae
11 Andre Savelio
24 Cameron Scott
13 Jordan Lane
Substitutes
14 Joe Lovodua
17 Brad Fash
20 Jack Brown
21 Jordan Johnstone