Here we go: the business end of the Super League season, the final push, and the make-or-break stage. This is it for Hull FC, who have to beat Warrington Wolves this Saturday evening to keep their top six push alive. Should they do that, and Hull KR defeat Wakefield Trinity today, then they can tie up their top six destiny against Catalans Dragons next Thursday. A massive 80 minutes of rugby league are ahead.
But it’s going to be a big ask for a Hull side missing up to a dozen players through injury and suspension. Already depleted to the former, the latter then took a hiding at Monday’s disciplinary verdict – with four players handed bans totalling 11 games. That left Hull recalling two loan players with a mix of youth and experience on show against a Wire side who are also understrength and with only pride to play for.
Nonetheless, head coach John Cartwright is expecting nothing less than a gritty and competitive performance from his side. Hull have prepared well all week, and as far as their shapes and structure go, nothing changes. It’s now on them to produce when it matters most in front of their home fans. As always, we’ll be there with all the team news, build-up, live action, and post-match reaction. Stay tuned.