Jack Harbidge previews the Round Eight clash between St Helens and Hull FC at the Totally Wicked Stadium….. This is what we have to look forward to.
Venue: Totally Wicked Stadium
Kick-off: Friday 28th May, 19:45 BST
Last Five Meetings
16/02/20 Hull FC 18 – 32 St Helens (Super League)
13/09/19 Hull FC 6 – 22 St Helens (Super League)
05/07/19 Hull FC 12 – 40 St Helens (Super League)
22/04/19 St Helens 62 – 16 Hull FC (Super League)
14/09/18 St Helens 38 – 12 Hull FC (Super League)
Team Lists
Match Preview
St Helens Head Coach, Kristian Woolf, makes one change to his side following their first defeat of the season to Catalans Dragons last week, with Regan Grace making way for back-rower Sam Royle.
On the other hand, Hull FC’s Brett Hodgson also has one change to to his 21-man squad with Connor Wynne making way for Josh Bowden, who makes his way back from an elbow injury.
Hull come into this off the back of a hard fought win against Leeds characterised by their exceptional defence this season that has seen them concede just 97 points so far in Super League, second only to their opponents St Helens (54).
The Red V come into this off the back of their first loss off the season, where they conceded 20 points from Catalans. The loss will no doubt have reinforced Saints resolve and intensity to bounce back this week, especially given the two will face again the following week in the Challenge Cup quarter final.
With both defences in full force this Friday we should be seeing a low scoring and gritty contest, that said, both teams have exceptional spines brimming with attacking quality so it will be extremely important for their respective forward packs on the front foot.
Saints are undoubtedly best placed to do that, though the hardy Black and Whites will run them close with the same attitude that they showed against Leeds and Wigan.
Prediction
St Helens by 8 points
