Huddersfield look to escape the bottom four when they host Hull FC. Here’s what you need to know…
TEAM NEWS
Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield’s five-match winning run in Super League came to an end last Friday with a 37-10 defeat at Hull Kingston Rovers, and coach Simon Wollford makes three changes to his squad.
The big returnee is Danny Brough, who missed the last three games with suspension following a dangerous tackle in the Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Catalans Dragons at the end of May.
He replace young half-back Olly Russell, with Alex Mellor and Sam Hewitt also dropping out to make way for Ukuma Ta’ai and Paul Clough to return to the side.
Huddersfield Giants 19-man squad: McGillvary, Cudjoe, Turner, Murphy, Gaskell, Brough, Ikahihifo, Leeming, Lawrence, Hinchcliffe, Rankin, Roberts, Ta’ai, Clough, Smith, O’Brien, McIntosh, Wood, English.
Hull FC
There are also three changes by Lee Radford to his squad, which claimed a 31-24 win over Widnes Vikings last Friday to keep in touch with the top four.
Jamie Shaul suffered an injury in that game and will miss out on Thursday night as a result, while Sika Manu has received a suspension and will sit out the first of his three matches this week.
Liam Harris is taken out of the squad, with Jez Litten, Jordan Lane and Cameron Scott all reintroduced.
Hull FC 19-man squad: Faraimo, Tuimavave, Kelly, Taylor, Houghton, Hadley, Minichiello, Connor, Green, Washbrook, Fash, Litten, Paea, Logan, Lane, Downs, Miloudi, Matongo, Scott.
HEAD TO HEAD
Hull FC claimed the two points when the two sides met on the opening night of the season, winning 38-12 at the KCOM Stadium.
That was a third win for the Black and Whites in the last four meetings, after also winning the previous clash at the John Smith’s Stadium with a 48-8 thrashing in March last year.
KEY BATTLE – Danny Brough vs Jake Connor
Scrum-half Danny Brough makes his return from a three-match ban and the Giants will need him on top form as they look to escape from the bottom four.
The influence of the former Hull FC player will be crucial on Thursday night, but he will have to outperform another player lining up against his old side.
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Switches to the squad may see Jake Connor return to the halves, but wherever he plays he will certainly look to have a big impact on the game.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Thursday 5 July
Venue: John Smith’s Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Referee: Robert Hicks
