Hull FC are looking to build on their historic golden point win when they travel to Huddersfield in Round 4.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Huddersfield Giants
The Giants are the only side yet to register a win yet in Super League and are rooted to the bottom of the table.
https://nothingbutleague.com/2019/02/24/match-report-huddersfield-giants-20-32-warrington-wolves/
Hull FC
Lee Radford’s side got off the mark last week after a golden point success thanks to the boot of Marc Sneyd.
https://nothingbutleague.com/2019/02/25/match-report-wigan-warriors-22-23-hull-fc/
SQUAD NEWS
Huddersfield Giants
Simon Woolford makes three changes to his squad which include the introductions of Colton Roche and Jake Wardle for the first time this season, along with Oliver Russell who is also named.
Huddersfield are coming off the back of three straight defeats with the latest coming at the hands of Warrington Wolves in a 32-20 home defeat.
Huddersfield Giants 19-man squad: McIntosh, McGilvary, Turner, Gaskell, Frawley, Leeming, Matagi, Murphy, Mellor, Lawerence, O’Brien, , Ta’ai, English, Wardle, Grix, Russell, Roche, Ikahihifo, Walne
Hull FC
Albert Kelly in set to make his first appearance of the season after suffering a shoulder injury in a pre-season match against Wakefield. Full back Jamie Shaul is a doubt after going off last week with a head injury, he will face a late fitness test along with Dean Hadley.
Gareth Ellis is set to make his second appearance of the season.
Hull FC 19-man squad: Shaul, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Griffin, Kelly, Sneyd, Houghton, Hadley, Minichello, Westerman, Connor, Thompson, Matongo, Manu, Lane, Paea, Litten, Naulago, Ellis
HEAD TO HEAD
Huddersfield Giants have hosted the last two meeting and been on the correct side of the scoreline with the last meeting coming in August as Huddersfield ran out 26-6.
Out of the last 10 meetings, four have been held at the John Smith’s Stadium with the Giants coming out victorious on three of those occasions. Hull’s last win there was a comfortable 48-8 win back in March 2017.
KEY BATTLE
Lee Gaskell vs Albert Kelly
Lee Gaskell is a versatile player who is expected to play in the halves for this match and his opponent will be Albert Kelly.
Gaskell is a player who often threatens sides by his agility to evade defenders as well as high kicks allowing players such as Jermaine McGilvary. The former Saints man has turned into one of the more important players within the squad since the departure of Danny Brough.
Albert Kelly was easily one of Hull’s main talisman in the previous two seasons, but due to a shoulder injury he has sat out the opening few rounds. Kelly scored his first try for the Black and Whites away at Huddersfield in March 2017. Kelly threatens sides by his support play as well as attacking the line which compliments Marc Sneyd’s long kicking game.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Sunday 3rd March
Venue: John Smith’s Stadium
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Scott Mikalauskas
WHO WILL WIN?
Hull registered a key victory last week which will have relieved pressure on Lee Radford. Hull were dominant and deserved the win, leading for the majority of the match. Huddersfield have a good home record against Hull but a poor start to 2019 means it’s a must win for both sides. With the return of Albert Kelly Hull look stronger on paper, especially off the back of an away victory last week, that is why I think it will be an away victory.
