Get ready for the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final, as Hull go head-to-head with St Helens for the place in next month’s final.
Saints are looking for their first Challenge Cup title since 2008, when they beat the Black & Whites in the final. Meanwhile, Hull have hopes of reaching the final to secure a sixth Challenge Cup triumph.
Kristian Woolf’s side will be the team heading into this match with a spring in their step after winning the Super League fixture against FC last week.
Team News
There is just one change to Hull’s 21-man squad this week, with Connor Wynne returning to replace the injured Joe Cator (calf).
Second-rower Andre Savelio is in contention to feature against the Saints after missing last Friday’s league meeting with a hamstring issue.
There is expected to be plenty of change in St Helens’ three-quarter line this week. Mark Percival will miss the game with a hamstring injury, but first choice wingers Regan Grace (head) and Tommy Makinson (foot) are expected to return to action.
Agnatius Paasi is also expected to be in and amongst the action, despite leaving the field early in last week’s game against the Airlie Birds.
Hull 21-man squad: Connor, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Griffin, Fonua, Reynolds, Sneyd, Houghton, Satae, Savelio, Ma’u, Sao, Johnstone, Lane, Fash, McNamara, Brown, Swift, Bowden, Wynne, Scott
Saints 21-man squad: Coote, Makinson, Naiqama, Grace, Lomax, Fages, Walmsley, Roby, Thompson, Knowles, Mata’utia, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Amor, Paasi, Welsby, Smith, Batchelor, Dodd, Simm, Norman, Royle
What’s the lowdown on the Saints?
Showing they are made of tough stuff after backing up strongly from their first defeat of the season last week, Saints will be feeling confident heading into this semi-final showdown.
On the other hand, Brett Hodgson will have no doubt learnt lessons from that 34-16 defeat last Friday, with the Black & Whites looking to redeem themselves at Leigh Sports Village.
Hull lost in their Super League fixture against Wigan just nine days before knocking the Warriors out of the previous round of the cup last month, so Saints will be all too aware of an FC response tomorrow.
The return of fleet-footed wingers Grace and Makinson could cause Hull some headaches, particularly when trying to keep Saints at the other end of the field.
Forwards Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi in particular helped Saints get on the front foot and establish a commanding position in last week’s Super League tie, so Hull will have to be on red alert down the middle of the park.
Ones To Watch
Hull: Marc Sneyd – In 2017, Marc Sneyd became the first player to outright win back-to-back Lance Todd Trophy titles and his influence in Challenge Cup fixtures cannot be underestimated. Often the calmest man in the stadium, his composure combined with his mercurial talent is a key component of the team in this historic competition. Sneyd was unfortunate in last week’s defeat to Saints as a couple of breaks he made down the middle of the field came to no avail, so he’ll be hoping luck is on his side tomorrow.
Saints: Theo Fages – The French international matched his halfback partner Jonny Lomax in last week’s win over Hull, with the two pivots both assisting three tries each. Fages found some joy down Hull’s right edge in that game at the Totally Wicked Stadium, thanks to some well executed shape from his team mates. The 26-year-old has come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of years and he is developing into an extremely talented halfback, capable of cutting through the defensive line or finding a long pass out wide to his winger.
Key Match Details
Where: Leigh Sports Village, Leigh, UK
When: Saturday 5 June, 2.30pm kick-off
Coverage: BBC One
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