Third placed Hull FC face the London Broncos as they bid to survive relegation.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Hull FC
Despite being third in the table, Hull were blown away by league leaders St Helens last week. The league leaders dominated the fixture, with the side leading 40-0 during the second half, however Hull did get two consolation tries. Lee Radford’s side have now lost their last two, but the only other time they have lost two matches in a row was in round one and two.
London Broncos
Danny Ward’s side are doing better than many people thought they would. The Broncos are eleventh and have really impressed this season. However, they have lost their last two fixtures at home against Warrington and away at Castleford. The southern side have only won twice on the road this season first at Leeds and more recently in the South of France.
SQUAD NEWS
Hull FC
Radford has made two changes from last weekends side. Albert Kelly missed out due to a hamstring problem, meanwhile Andre Savelio is also out. Dean Hadley and Kieran Buchanan are the pair who come into the side.
Gareth Ellis is still named in the squad, even though he was taken to hospital to receive stitches around his eye socket and cheekbone.
Hull FC 19-man squad:ย Shaul, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Griffin, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Bowden, Hadley, Minichiello, Westerman, Connor, Green, Fash, Manu, Paea, Naulago, Ellis, Buchanan
London Broncos
Danny Ward also makes two changes from the side who lost last weekend. Sam Davis and Matty Flemming come into the side to replace Olsi Krasnqi and Morgan Smith.
London Broncos 19-man squad:ย Abdull, Adebiyi, Battye, Butler, Cunningham, S. Davis, Dixon, Fleming, Fozard, Gee, Hellewell, Ioane, Kear, Morgan, Pitts, Richards, Walker, Williams, Yates
HEAD TO HEAD
On the previous meeting this season, Hull came out on top in the capital. The 28-24 win was hard fought with the East Yorkshire side trailing at half time. Hull then took control, but had to survive a late scare. Josh Griffin crossed twice in the first half after bunderling over from close range. Albert Kelly scored an interception, as well as second half tries from Jordan Thompson and Bureta Faraimo. Former Black and White Jordan Abdull and Rhys Williams score to make a tense finale.
The last time London beat Hull FC away from home was in February 2008.
KEY BATTLE
Ratu Naulago (Hull FC) v Rhys Williams (London Broncos)
A key clash could be between the wingers. Ratu Naulago is one of the finds of the season and Hull rewarded him for a new deal for next season. The Fijian is fast and strong as he has proved so far this season including his 100 metre try away at Catalans. Naulago also is a strong defender with him looking to close players down.
Rhys Williams could be considered as one of the most underrated players in the league. Williams currently has made the second most metres in the league, along with his twelve tries he also has a try assist. The Welsh international has shown his Super League experience and helped lead this London side as they bid to survive.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date:ย Thursday July 11
Venue: KCOM Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45 PM
Referee:ย Liam Moore
WHO WILL WIN?
Both sides have lost their previous two, however with London’s poor away form I would be surprised if they are able to secure the two league points, that is why I am going for a Hull FC win.
