SQUAD NEWS
St Helens
St Helens have named an unchanged side ahead of their clash with Hull F.C. at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Justin Holbrook’s men have lost just once in their opening nine games so they will be hoping to carry on their fantastic start on Friday night.
Saints 19-man Squad: 1. Jonny Lomax, 2. Tommy Makinson, 3. Ryan Morgan, 4. Mark Percival, 6. Theo Fages, 7. Matty Smith, 9. James Roby, 10. Kyle Amor, 11. Zeb Taia, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 14. Luke Douglas, 15. Morgan Knowles, 16. Luke Thompson, 17. Dom Peyroux, 18. Danny Richardson, 19. Regan Grace, 20. Matty Lees, 23. Ben Barba.
Hull F.C.
Hull F.C. are welcoming back a few big names for this game with Sika Manu, Carlos Tuimavave, Danny Houghton and Jamie Shaul all expected to return to the team.
The Black and Whites have turned around their fortune around in recent weeks and look to be getting back to their best; they’ve won their last three games and will be looking to make it four against the Saints.
Hull FC 19-man Squad: 1. Jamie Shaul, 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 4. Josh Griffin, 5. Fetuli Talanoa, 6. Albert Kelly, 7. Marc Sneyd, 8. Scott Taylor, 9. Danny Houghton, 12. Mark Minichiello, 13. Josh Bowden, 14. Jake Connor, 15. Chris Green, 17. Danny Washbrook, 20. Brad Fash, 21. Sika Manu, 22. Jez Litten, 23. Mickey Paea, 24. Jack Logan, 26. Jordan Lane.
HEAD TO HEAD
The last time these two sides met, a Marc Sneyd penalty was the only difference. The half back kicked a penalty from 50 yards to snatch the points for the Yorkshire-men.
Both of these sides have won their last three games which is a massive achievement over the tough Easter period.
Sometimes the week after Easter can see performance levels drop due to fatigue, but this game still promises to be a classic, given that both sides have class and depth all over the field.
KEY BATTLE- James Roby V Danny Houghton
Danny Houghton and James Roby are two of the best hookers in the English game. Hull F.C. are a different team when Houghton is playing compared to when he’s not, his efficiency in defence helps the forwards around him recover and it takes a bit of pressure off them.
On the other side, James Roby is a smart hooker and he will exploit any weakness in the defensive line and make teams pay. He makes shooting out of dummy half look easy and with Ben Barba supporting him, Hull F.C. need to make sure they slow down the play the ball as much as they can to not allow the number 9 any momentum.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: 6th April 2017
Venue: Totally Wicked Stadium
Kick-off: 19:45pm
Referee: Robert Hicks
WHO WILL WIN?
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