Hull FC host the Huddersfield Giants, with both sides desperately needing the two league points.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull FC
The Black and Whites lost their last fixture against fellow playoff rivals, Salford Red Devils. However, they had won their previous fixture against Wakefield. Hull sit in fourth, two points ahead of sixth placed Castleford and level on points with Warrington Wolves.
Huddersfield Giants
Simon Woolford’s side is in serious danger of relegation. The West Yorkshire side are level on points with bottom club London, with only three fixtures remaining. The Giants have lost their previous three, including two fixtures in which they have failed to score.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull FC
Lee Radford makes two changes from his defeated side two weeks ago. Fijian winger, Ratu Naulago is replaced by Jack Logan.
Kieran Buchanan is also included in the side with Jack Brown missing out.
Hull FC 19-man squad: Shaul, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Griffin, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Bowden, Westerman, Connor, Matongo, Fash, Manu, Lane, Paea, Logan, Ellis, Buchanan, Satae.
Huddersfield Giants
Chester Butler is set to make his debut, after making his loan move to the Giants.
Paul Clough and Jon Luke Kirby are named in the 19-man squad.
Huddersfield Giants 19-man squad: McIntosh, McGillvary, Gaskell, Frawley, Clough, Leeming, Matagi, Murphy, Mellor, Lawrence, O’Brien, Ta’ai, Wardle, Ikahihifo, Hewitt, Senior, Kirby, Wilson, Butler
HEAD TO HEAD
This is the third meeting of the season with the spoils being shared so far. The first meeting was back in March, as Hull FC came out in difficult wet conditions. The 28-8 success included two tries from Joe Westerman and Josh Griffin, along with one from Ratu Naulago.
However, the most recent meeting was a completely different result. The sides met on day one of the Dacia Magic Weekend. Huddersfield thrashed Hull on that occasion 55-2. The ten try rout was an embarrassment for the East Yorkshire club, with it not being the first time they were convincingly beaten. Doubles from Adam O’Brien, Darnell McIntosh and Jermaine McGilvary capped off a poor performance by Hull from start to finish.
KEY BATTLE
Danny Houghton (Hull FC) v Kruise Leeming (Huddersfield Giants)
Two rather contrasting hookers, however they are both important to their respective sides. Danny Houghton has been a key player in the Hull side. Compared to many hookers Houghton is more defensive, he is currently the Super League’s top tackler with 99 tackles more than his nearest rival. 12 try assists also shows that he still adds to Hull in an attacking sense.
Kruise Leeming compared to Houghton is more of an impact hooker, but he creates problems for defences. Leeming has made 776 tackles this year putting him in 14th in the standings, but his attack is more important to the Giants. Six tries and 11 assists shows he is a key part to the Giants attack. He often takes the ball from dummy half and if he are unable to restrict this he could go a long way to helping his side to victory.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday August 30th
Venue: KCOM Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45 PM
Referee: Liam Moore
WHO WILL WIN?
A match both sides need to win in order to boost their chances. Despite a poor performance against Salford, I think Hull will have too much and will be able to strengthen their playoff credentials.
