Widnes look to end their record losing run at Hull FC. Here’s everything you need to know…
SQUAD NEWS
Hull FC
Hull FC coach Lee Radford has made two changes to his 19-man squad from a fortnight ago, when their unbeaten home record came to an end with a 14-10 defeat to Wigan Warriors.
They are boosted by the return of forwards Dean Hadley and Sika Manu, who both missed the last two games but come into the side for Jez Litten and Jansin Turgut.
Both of Hull’s England internationals go straight back into the side, including Jake Connor who picked up a shoulder knock during the match in Denver but should be fit to play.
Hull FC 19-man squad: Shaul, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Kelly, Taylor, Houghton, Hadley, Minichiello, Connor, Green, Washbrook, Fash, Manu, Paea, Logan, Downs, Miloudi, Matongo, Harris.
Widnes Vikings
Interim coach Francis Cummins has made five changes as Widnes look to end a club record eleven match losing run.
Stefan Marsh, Jordan Johnstone, Ryan Ince, Olly Ashall-Bott and Brad Walker are all left out from the 44-24 defeat away at Wakefield last Sunday.
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In their places come Rhys Hanbury, Patrick Ah Van, Danny Craven and Tom Olbison, as well as young winger Owen Buckley who could be in line for his debut.
Widnes 19-man squad: Hanbury, Inu, Runciman, Ah Van, Mellor, Gilmore, Dudson, Gerrard, Whitley, Craven, Olbison, Wilde, Leuluai, Walker, J Chapelhow, T Chapelhow, Heremaia, Hauraki, Buckley.
HEAD TO HEAD
Hull FC were the victors when the two sides met back in April, winning 39-20 at the Select Security Stadium with the help of two tries from Josh Griffin.
That was a fifth consecutive win for them over the Vikings, in a run that stretches back to March 2016.
Widnes have only ever won once at the KCOM Stadium, with a 7-0 win in 2014.
KEY BATTLE – Jake Connor vs Krisnan Inu
Jake Connor’s fine form this season led to an England call-up, and he certainly impressed with a great try and two assists last weekend in Denver. He’s played mostly in the halves but the players that Hull have available mean he will probably now be back in the centres.
Opposite him will be Krisnan Inu, who is Widnes’ top try scorer this year despite missing half of the season with a broken leg. He made his comeback in last week’s defeat at Wakefield, and will be crucial for the Vikings in their run-in.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 29th June
Venue: KCOM Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Referee: Greg Dolan
