Hull FC will be forced into numerous changes for their must-win game against Warrington Wolves and we’ve predicted how each side could line up.
John Cartwright’s side were down on troops heading into last Sunday’s derby against Hull KR but four suspensions has seen them even shorter on bodies for today’s clash with Warrington.
The Black and Whites have recalled two loan players to help fill out their squad with just six of their top 17 squad numbers named to the 21-man squad, highlighting the number of key men banned or injured.
As for Warrington, they’re coming in off the back of a third consecutive loss and simply looking for some pride to end the season with whilst some of their players in the frame for England will be desperate to show some form to guarantee Ashes selection.
Based on coach comments, current injuries and the 21-man squads, we’ve predicted how each side could line up.
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Hull FC predicted team
The problems in the Hull FC pack are glaring with most of the club’s starting pack absent. Props Ligi Sao (knee), Herman Ese’ese (Achilles) and Liam Knight (ankle) are all out injured, whilst forwards John Asiata (hamstring) and Jed Cartwright (pectoral) would also probably feature in Hull FC’s strongest pack.
Will Hutchinson (foot) and Ed Chamberlain (hamstring), as well as the suspended trio of Amir Bourouh, Jack Ashworth and Yusuf Aydin meant that Zak Hardaker will again have to play in the pack, whilst Hull will be hoping Sam Eseh is fit enough to feature.
The recalled Denive Balmforth will likely start at hooker with Jack Charles as a possible replacement on the bench, alongside fellow recalled loanee Hugo Salabio, as well as Matty Laidlaw and Callum Kemp.
Despite Jordan Rapana’s ban in the backs, there is a boost in that Harvey Barron should return in a much-changed Hull FC side.
Predicted Hull FC XIII: Lloyd Kemp; Harvey Barron, Tom Briscoe, Davy Litten, Lewis Martin; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Liam Watts, Denive Balmforth, Sam Eseh; Zak Hardaker, Jordan Lane, Brad Fash
Interchanges: Matty Laidlaw, Hugo Salabio, Callum Kemp, Jack Charles
Warrington Wolves predicted team
For Warrington, they will just want this season to end with Sam Burgess surely only just expecting 100% effort and commitment, something his side could be accused of failing to show in recent weeks.
George Williams was named and with Leon Hayes out due to a broken arm, the England captain should return. He, alongside Danny Walker, will be hoping to find some form ahead of the Ashes.
Luke Yates misses out through suspension so Ryan Matterson may switch to prop, or alternatively someone like Adam Holroyd may move from the bench to prop.
Burgess may well blood some youth on the bench ahead of next week’s reserves Grand Final so the likes of Tom McKinney could earn a spot on the bench.
Predicted Warrington Wolves XIII: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Toby King, Stefan Ratchford, Jake Thewlis; George Williams, Marc Sneyd; Joe Philbin, Danny Walker, Adam Holroyd; Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Sam Stone, Ryan Matterson
Interchanges: Sam Powell, Max Wood, Luke Thomas, Tom McKinney
