Get the lowdown on Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos ahead of the Betfred Super League Round 7 clash at Emerald Headingley Stadium tomorrow (7.30 kick-off).
Richard Agar’s side will play in front of home supporters for the first time in over 430 days, but Hull will be hoping to spoil the reunion.
The Black & Whites have lost their last two Super League fixtures, so Brett Hodgson’s side will need to be at the top of their game to defeat a Rhinos side buoyed by their Golden Point win over Wakefield Trinity last time out.
Team News
There are no players returning from injury this week, but there is one change to the 21-man squad for tomorrow’s game.
Ben McNamara returns to the squad to replace Miteli Vulikijapani, who has just begun a loan spell with Championship outfit Bradford Bulls.
The Rhinos welcome back Zane Tetevano from suspension, whilst pivot Richie Myler returns from injury.
Bodene Thompson and James Donaldson were also named in Agar’s 21-man squad, adding some bulk into the pack.
Hull 21-man squad: Connor, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Griffin, Fonua, Reynolds, Sneyd, Houghton, Satae, Savelio, Ma’u, Sao, Johnstone, Cator, Lane, Fash, McNamara, Brown, Swift, Wynne, Scott
Rhinos 21-man squad: T. Briscoe, Hurrell, Handley, Gale, Oledzki, Leeming, Prior, Mellor, Martin, Tetevano, Dwyer, Sutcliffe, Myler, Vuniyayawa, Thompson, Walters, L. Briscoe, Donaldson, O’Connor, Broadbent, Gannon
What’s the lowdown on the Rhinos?
After desperately hanging onto the two points in last week’s Super League tie with Wakefield Trinity, there will be an added boost for Richard Agar’s men coming into this clash with the Black & Whites.
Add to that the return of former Penrith and Sydney forward Tetevano, plus Myler, the Rhinos will be a force to be reckoned with in front of their home fans tomorrow.
But their confidence will still be bruised after suffering five consecutive defeats in all competitions.
They have the second lowest point-scoring tally in the league so far this season, but with four key players returning to action, that will strengthen their hand.
Ones To Watch
Hull: Danny Houghton – Both solid in defence and dangerous in attack, Houghton could be the key to unlocking the two points for the Airlie Birds tomorrow night. Only Luke Yates at Huddersfield has made more tackles than Houghton so far this season, despite the Hull FC hooker playing significantly fewer minutes than Yates in 2021. Constantly scanning the defensive line when Hull are in possession of the ball, Houghton is more than capable of taking advantage of markers not being square. His runs from dummy half will wear down the defensive line.
Rhinos: Ash Handley – Having scored five tries in his last three appearances against the Black & Whites, the local lad will be excited at the prospect of facing Hull FC again. Handley scored a hat-trick when these two sides last met, albeit the game came at just 24 hours notice for the Airlie Birds as coronavirus swept through several Super League clubs. Nonetheless, Handley’s pace cannot go unnoticed and he will be looking to take advantage of any open space on the edge.
Key Match Details
Where: Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds, UK
When: Sunday 23 May, 7.30pm kick-off
Coverage: Sky Sports, OuRLeague app
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