SUPER 8s MATCH PREVIEW | Hull FC vs Wakefield Trinity
The Super 8s get underway and in the first round Hull FC will host Wakefield Trinity at the KCOM Stadium. Here’s everything you need to know…
SQUAD NEWS
Hull FC
There are two changes to the 19-man squad that was named for the 16-20 defeat to Hull Kingston Rovers in the Black & Whites’ previous outing, with Jez Litten and Jack Downs both replaced.
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Dean Hadley picked up an ankle injury in the Airlie Birds’ recent meeting with Wakefield and he could return to action earlier than expected against Trinity, while Chris Green could laso make his return to action.
Hull FC 19-man squad: Shaul, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Griffin, Talanoa, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Hadley, Minichiello, Green, Abdull, Washbrook, Fash, Manu, Paea, Lane, Matongo, Harris.
Wakefield Trinity
One change has been made to the side that lost 28-40 to Huddersfield Giants in the final round of the regular season, with Anthony England coming back back from an injury and replacing Joe Arundel.
Wakefield 19-man squad: Annakin, Arona, Ashburst, Batchelor, England, Fifita, Hampshire, Hirst, Horo, Huby, Johnstone, Jones-Bishop. Jowitt, Lyne, Miller, Pauli, Randell, Tupou, Wood.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The last time the two sides met was when Trinity thrashed FC 72-10 at Belle Vue, in an outstanding win that booked their place in the Super 8s.
Tries from Tom Johnstone, David Fifita, Jacob Miller, Pauli Pauli, Reece Lyne and James Batchelor saw the hosts to a commanding 38-point half-time lead.
Ben Jones-Bishop scored two second-half tries, while Miller, Lyne and Pauli ran in for their second of the game.
Max Jowitt went over for Trinity’s 12th try, while Ryan Hampshire kicked 24 points before the Black and Whites Liam Harris and Bureta Faraimo scored late consolations.
KEY BATTLE – Danny Houghton vs Matty Ashurst
With this fixture being anticipated to have bags of tries, it means that the defence will have to play their part to make sure that they don’t concede too many tries.
Hull FC hooker Danny Houghton is one of the hardest working players in the team, making 747 tackles so far this season and scoring two tries and has made five assists.
Wakefield’s top workhorse is second-rower Matty Ashburst, who has made 813 tackles as well as scoring three tries and assisting twice.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 10th August
Venue: KCOM Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Referee: Jack Smith
WHO WILL WIN?
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