PREVIEW: Huddersfield v Hull FC

Huddersfield host Hull FC at the John Smith’s Stadium in round three of Super League on Thursday aiming to build on an impressive comeback win over Wakefield in round two. Hull FC visit West Yorkshire looking to recover from defeat by Catalan last week.

Last time out

Huddersfield captain Danny Brough put in a stellar performance in round two as his neat kick sent winger Jermaine McGillvary over for the winning try – the England international’s fourth in three games in 2017. Centre Sam Wood also recorded two scores as the Giants made it two wins in three for Rick Stone’s men.

Hull FC suffered defeat to Catalan last time out in a game dominated by kicks. Former St Helens half-back Luke Walsh slotted six for the French side that led them to victory, despite the Black and Whites going over for two tries.

Key battle

This round three tie could be decided by each side’s half backs – Danny Brough and Ryan Brierley will be lining up against Marc Sneyd and Albert Kelly, who returns from a one-match ban. Brough assisted the match-winning try against Wakefield while Marc Sneyd scored three goals for Hull against Catalan.

Prediction

Huddersfield will be without key figures including Jermaine McGillvary (quad injury) and Ukuma Ta’au (suspension) as they welcome the Wildcats, but captain Leroy Cudjoe comes back into Rick Stone’s ranks after the centre recovered from a hamstring injury.

Hull FC will line up without Liam Watts, who beings a four-match ban since being found guilty of a grade D dangerous throw in the defeat to Catalan.

Both sides could score well in this game, but after eighty minutes it will be a close-run affair. Hull by 4.

Squads

Huddersfield Giants

Cudjoe, Gaskell, Murphy, Brough, Brierley, Rapira, Hinchcliffe, Wakeman, Leeming, Ikahihifo, Roberts, Clough, Smith, Ormsby, Dickinson, Wood, McIntosh, Wood, Mellor.

Hull FC