In the build-up to tomorrow’s Virtual Double-Header with Castleford Tigers, we look back at the team-news for both sides, and set the scene ahead of the games!
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Game One: Hull FC vs Castleford Tigers (23/04/17)
Team news
With his team getting closer to full fitness, including the possible return of Steve Prescott Man of Steel Danny Houghton, Lee Radford’s options are becoming stronger.
Another major boost for the Black & Whites was the recent confirmation of Albert Kelly’s contract extension, which was greeted with delight by many.
Carlos Tuimavave made a return from injury in the win at Leigh on Easter Monday the week prior and he and looked to pick up from where he left off having scored a brace.
Setting the scene
The Black & Whites lost twice at home to the Tigers in 2016 and were determined to put that record straight.
Normally nerve jangling contests, the Tigers claimed victory late in the corresponding fixture last year as well as a win in the Super 8s.
In 2015 it was the Airlie Birds who beat Castleford on both their visits to the KCOM Stadium, coming from two scores behind to win the Super League game, while scoring 40 points in a comfortable Challenge Cup win.
Lee Radford was delighted with the response of his players in the victory on Easter Monday.
“I’m really pleased with the response we got from the group of players,” he said.
“We showed our resolve defensively really well today. I was able to recognise one or two more bodies defensively because some of the efforts were outstanding.”
“Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Castleford head coach Daryl Powell said: “I have a decision to make in the pack in terms of who starts, who comes off the bench and who gets left out.
“We’ve got a reasonably healthy pack at the moment and some of the guys in there didn’t do themselves justice on Monday.”
Squads
Hull FC: Shaul, Fonua, Tuimavave, Griffin, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Watts, Minichiello, Ellis, Connor, Green, Washbrook, Michaels, Manu, Turgut, Fash, Litten.
Castleford Tigers: Chase, Eden, Gale, Hardaker, Holmes, Lynch, Massey, McShane, McMeekan, Millington, Minikin, Milner, Monaghan, Moors, Roberts, Sene-Lefao, Shenton, Springer, Webster.
Game Two: Castleford Tigers vs Hull FC (30/06/17)
Team News
Hull FC duo Albert Kelly and Mark Minichello were in line to return for Friday night’s top-of-the-table clash.
Kelly and Minichello were rested in the previous week’s 40-18 victory over Wakefield Trinity to ensure they are physically ready for the Castleford challenge.
Veteran utility man Danny Washbrook has was named in the 19-man squad and was in line to make his 300th career appearance.
Winger Steve Michaels picked up a knock last time out and sat out for the trip along the M62.
Setting The Scene
Many predicted Castleford to have a positive season, but few expected the unprecedented number of points that the Tigers would put on opponents that season.
Similarly, several had been surprised by the continual strength shown by the Black & Whites, who have backed up last season’s successful campaign with an equally powerful 2017.
They may have failed to find their feet against the Airlie Birds, but Powell’s troops certainly haven’t scored 128 tries in all competitions this season for nothing.
Wingers Greg Eden and Minikin have clocked up a staggering 52 tries between them this season.
Warrington Wolves were the last side to beat Castleford on their own patch, all the way back in July 2016. That was just a month after FC edged their way to two points at the Jungle.
Whilst the Tigers had a ruthless home record in 2017, the Black & Whites have a comparatively impressive away record, losing just once away from home in 2017, up until this point.
Squads
Hull FC: Shaul, Fonua, Tuimavave, Griffin, Talanoa, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Watts, Minichello, Connor, Thompson, Washbrook, Manu, Bowden, Turgut, Fash, Matongo.
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