Hull FC take on Huddersfield Giants this Saturday afternoon.
Hull FC half-back Aidan Sezer. (Image: Dave Lofthouse, Hull FC)
Hull FC take on Huddersfield Giants in what is a must win game on Saturday afternoon. The Black and Whites need a victory to end a run of four successive defeats and give themselves something to build on ahead of a run of games at the MKM Stadium.
Dealt a tough hand with a depleted squad due to injury and suspensions, interim head coach Andy Last isn’t expected to change too much, although he will be forced into at least one change after Zak Hardaker failed his HIA against Warrington Wolves last Friday night. Hardaker felt a ‘crunch in his neck’ and was understandably sore after the game. He’ll have to pass the sport’s return to play protocols as well as clear any neck damage before he lines up again.
As for returning players, Last named James Bell as a potential return last week, and while the loose-forward is progressing well with his knee injury, it was suggested this week could come too soon. Elsewhere, Jed Cartwright will also be in consideration. However, there are, by Last’s own admission, more ‘facets’ to his selection than just fitness, with the player declaring that he is ready to go.
As for Hull’s lengthy injury list, there doesn’t seem to be too many on the horizon of a return just yet, with Hull entering the loan market once again this week to sign Max Wood from Warrington on a month’s loan. The middle forward is expected to go straight into the side along with Jeremiah Mata’utia and Ethan O’Neill, who are also here for the next month after a fresh loan deal was agreed with Leeds Rhinos.
O’Neill could start at centre again in place of Hardaker, a role he fulfilled last week. However, a like for like replacement is Ben Johnson, who made his senior debut at Leigh at the end of last month.
As for youth, Lloyd Kemp is a firm shout for the other centre spot, while Logan Moy will take the full-back role again. Harvey Barron and Tom Briscoe are set for the two wing spots with Lewis Martin still out with an ankle injury.
In the halves, Aidan Sezer returned to the side last week after being left out at Leigh, and all suggestions are that he will line up again alongside Jake Arthur. Callum Kemp is another option after a stellar showing for the reserves last week.
Up front, Harvie Hill is a shoe in at prop and he could be paired with Herman Ese’ese, who made his first appearance of the season off the bench last week and may now be fancied for a start. In the back row, Joe Batchelor will take one of the two spots after a stern account at Wire. O’Neill could line up in the other spot.
Cade Cust took the loose forward role at Wire but Max Wood could start here on Saturday. Amir Bourouh is considered as Hull’s starting hooker and the suggestions are he will get the nod again.
On the bench, Mata’utia is set to take a spot with Hugo Salabio filling another. One of Wood and Cust are likely to take an interchange role with the final place going to either Matty Laidlaw or Will Kirby.
How Hull FC could line up against Huddersfield: Logan Moy; Harvey Barron, Ben Johnson, Lloyd Kemp, Tom Briscoe; Jake Arthur, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Harvie Hill; Joe Batchelor, Ethan O’Neill; Cade Cust
Interchange: Jeremiah Mata’utia, Hugo Salabio, Max Wood, Will Kirby.