MATCH PREVIEW | Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC
Steve Price’s Warrington welcome Lee Radford’s Hull FC to the Halliwell Jones for this Super League round 15 clash. Here’s everything you need to know.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Warrington Wolves
Warrington are currently on a five-game winning streak in all competitions, following their 26-24 win over Wigan in the Cup last week. They currently sit second in the league and are four points behind leaders St Helens.
Hull FC
Hull FC will be looking to make it two consecutive wins for the first time in nearly five weeks, after they beat Castleford Tigers 28-12 last week in the Cup. They currently sit sixth in the league, with eight wins and six losses, and are six point behind their opponents.
SQUAD NEWS
Warrington Wolves
Steve Price has made two changes to the side that beat Wigan last time out. Ben Westwood and Danny Walker return to the side, with Matt Davis and Harvey Livett dropping out.
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Ryan Atkins went fifth in Wolves’ all-time try-scoring list last week and will be looking to get to 191 tries to move to fourth.
Warrington 19-man squad: Akauola, Atkins, Austin, Charnley, D. Clark, J. Clark, Cooper, Currie, Goodwin, Hill, Hughes, King, Murdoch-Masila, Patton, Philbin, Ratchford, Tasi, Walker, Westwood.
Hull FC
Lee Radford has made three changes to his side that beat Castleford in the Cup last week. Coming back into the side are Jamie Shaul (concussion), Danny Washbrook (calf) and Jordan Thompson. They replace Gareth Ellis (knee), Jack Logan (elbow) and Cameron Scott.
Hull FC 19-man squad: Shaul, Faraimo, Griffin, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Hadley, Minichiello, Westerman, Connor, Green, Thompson, Matongo, Fash, Manu, Paea, Washbrook, Naulago.
HEAD TO HEAD
The last time these two met, the Wire ran riot, winning 12-63 at the KCOM back in March. In the last five meetings, Warrington have won three and Hull FC two but the Wire have won the last three matches against Hull FC, scoring 173 points and conceding 34. In the last three games, Bryson Goodwin has scored five tries and Blake Austin and Tom Lineham have both scored three.
KEY BATTLE
Blake Austin (Warrington Wolves) v Marc Sneyd (Hull FC)
In the Wolves corner is Blake Austin. The magician currently leads the Man of Steel table and the try scoring list, as well as currently sitting sixth on the try assist rankings. He has been scoring for fun in the league so far and will be looking to continue that form. After another key performance against Wigan in the Cup, he is becoming unplayable. With his quick thinking and high press game, he can find the gaps in any defence.
For Hull is Marc Sneyd. The 28-year-old currently leads the league in try assists with 14. He is one of the most lethal half backs in the league and can find the way through any defence. He is also one of the best goal kickers and that can make a difference. Sneyd currently sits seventh on the Man of Steel rankings, eight points behind Austin. Will he make the difference for Hull?
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THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 18th May
Venue: Halliwell Jones Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: James Child
WHO WILL WIN?
I believe Warrington Wolves will win, not as much the match in March, especially as FC have Jamie Shaul back in the side. However, I think the Wire will win by 20-30 points.
