Read our match preview ahead of a crucial clash between Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos at the Dacia Magic Weekend tomorrow.
Super League’s jamboree returns to St James’ Park tomorrow after over three years away from Newcastle.
Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos will bring the curtain down on Day One of the six-game weekend (7.30pm kick-off), in a fixture that could prove to have huge ramifications on the race for the play-offs.
Team News
Brett Hodgson has been sweating over the fitness of Jamie Shaul, Carlos Tuimavave and Scott Taylor this week. Although the latter won’t feature, both Shaul and Tuimavave are in with a chance of returning to action for this key match.
Academy players Jude Ferreira and Marcus Walker have both made way from the squad that was named to face Salford, with the two youngsters expected to feature in the Under 19s fixture with Castleford Tigers at the University of Hull tomorrow.
Injuries have come at the wrong time in the year from Leeds’ perspective; Liam Sutcliffe (knee), Konrad Hurrell (foot), Luke Gale (knee), Jack Walker (foot), Mikolaj Oledzki (toe) and Alex Mellor (knee) are all ruled out of the Magic Weekend clash.
New Zealand international forward Zane Tetevano will also be unavailable as he serves a suspension.
As such, Richard Agar has recalled young forward Alex Sutcliffe from his loan spell and he is expected to feature in the pack for the Rhinos.
Fellow Leeds youngsters Corey Hall, Sam Walters, Jarrod O’Connor, Jack Broadbent and Morgan Gannon could be given the opportunity to earn their stripes.
Hull 21-man squad: Connor, Faraimo, Tuimavave, Fonua, Sneyd, Houghton, Satae, Savelio, Ma’u, Sao, Johnstone, Lane, Fash, McNamara, Swift, Bowden, Wynne, Scott, Vulikijapani, Shaul, Burrell
Rhinos 21-man squad: T. Briscoe, Newman, Handley, Lui, Leeming, Prior, Martin, Dwyer, Myler, Smith, Holroyd, Vuniyayawa, Thompson, A. Sutcliffe, Walters, L. Briscoe, Donaldson, O’Connor, Broadbent, Hall, Gannon
What’s the lowdown on the Rhinos?
Leeds’ play-off push hit a major block in the road when they suffered a 20-13 defeat at the hands of local rivals Wakefield Trinity on Bank Holiday Monday.
But Richard Agar’s side remain in the driving side as far as the play-offs are concerned as they sit 5th in the Super League table.
Recent wins against Leigh, Huddersfield and Wigan hold the Rhinos in good stead, though, yet injuries to key, senior players at the business end of the season may come at a price.
After tomorrow’s head-to-head with Hull, Leeds face St Helens and fellow play-off candidates Hull Kingston Rovers – it could prove to be a very interesting end to the season.
Ones To Watch
Hull: Cameron Scott – Looking ever more dangerous with the ball in hand, consistent game time seems to be benefitting Cameron Scott. The youngster had a disruptive start to the season, but since the start of summer, the Bradford-born outside back has enjoyed a fruitful run in the side and his form would indicate that he is starting to enjoy himself. Scott looked a real threat in the first half against Salford on Monday, especially when carrying the ball, as everything became a half break for the Black & Whites. He made his Hull FC and Super League debut at the 2018 Dacia Magic Weekend in Newcastle – can he repeat the success of that day tomorrow?
Rhinos: Brad Dwyer – Whether he starts the game or comes of the bench, Hull will be keeping a beady eye on the hooker. Dwyer came off the bench when these two sides last met, ultimately changing the dynamic of the game and spurring Leeds onto a key victory at the MKM Stadium. Richard Agar has the luxury of playing Kruise Leeming in the nine role, too, but a lack of halfbacks for Leeds could result in Dwyer starting the game with Leeming’s service required in the halves. But Dwyer is one of the biggest threats out of dummy half in the league – his running game could wreak havoc.
Key Match Details
Where: St James’ Park, Newcastle, UK
When: Saturday 4 September, 7.30pm kick-off
Coverage: FREE commentary on Hull FC Live, Sky Sports
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