SUPER LEAGUE PREVIEW: Hull FC vs Huddersfield Giants
On Friday night Hull FC will be looking to force their way into the top four with their final fixture before the Super 8’s, as they entertain Huddersfield Giants.
Last Time Out
Hull FC fell to an agonising third straight defeat last week as they were edged by Leeds Rhinos 10-7, despite leading 7-0 at half-time. Ryan Hall and Jack Walker’s tries in the second period were enough to see the Airlie Birds lose the contest, and dent their hopes of securing four home games in the second stage of the season. Lee Radford will be looking to end the regular season strong, and if results go his way they can sneak into the top four.
Huddersfield Giants secured their Super League status for another year as they brushed aside Leigh Centurions 26-4 at The John Smiths Stadium. Lee Gaskell helped himself to a brace of tries, while Ukuma Ta’ai and Leroy Cudjoe also crossed for the Giants. A win will help in their push for the play-offs, but a defeat could leave Rick Stone’s side with too much to do in the Super 8’s.
Key Battle
Since bringing in Martyn Ridyard on loan from Leigh, Huddersfield have come on leaps and bounds, as his partnership with Danny Brough has lifted them from the bottom four. FC will be hoping their wide men will be the difference, as Fetuli Talanoa and Mahe Fonua can be the match-winners for the black and whites.
Prediction
Hull FC have a better chance of making the play-offs, and a win here will strengthen their cause, so they will be desperate to end their losing streak and pick up the points. Hull FC by 18.
Squads
Hull FC 19-man squad: Jamie Shaul, Mahe Fonua, Carlos Tuimavave, Josh Griffin, Fetuli Talanoa, Albert Kelly, Marc Sneyd, Scott Taylor, Danny Houghton, Liam Watts, Mark Minichiello, Gareth Ellis, Jake Connor, Chris Green, Danny Washbrook, Sika Manu, Josh Bowden, Brad Fash, Masi Matongo
Huddersfield Giants 19-man squad: Jermaine McGilvary, Leroy Cudjoe, Lee Gaskell, Danny Brough, Sam Rapira, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Shannon Wakeman, Dale Ferguson, Kruise Leeming, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Oliver Roberts, Ukuma Ta’ai, Paul Clough, Tyler Dickinson, Darnell McIntosh, Alex Mellor, Adam O’Brien, Martyn Ridyard, Jordan Rankin
