Gentle names strong squad for Knights final test
Hull FC head coach Peter Gentle has named a strong squad for his side’s final friendly match of pre-season against York City Knights, with no less than 14 full-time players set to feature.
Having already stated that anyone in his squad could be included in next week’s Super League opener against Leeds Rhinos, he’s handed some of his younger players the chance to shine with the likes of Josh Bowden, Chris Green, Tom Lineham, Ben Crooks and Danny Nicklas all set to feature on the back of a promising pre-season campaign.
The latter will also be joined at half back by experienced playmaker Richard Horne, who will be handed some game time having missed the warm weather training camp in Tenerife due to the birth of his daughter, whilst fellow senior men Paul Johnson and Richard Whiting could also feature.
Speaking ahead of the game, Gentle admits he is keen to take another look at his young contingent and believes the game is the perfect way to launch the new partnership between the clubs.
“It’s going to be a useful run out for both sides and a good chance for the players to impress.
“This is an ideal way to launch the partnership between both clubs, but for the players and coaches the focus will be on completing pre-season and our individual and team goals.
He continued, “It’s fair to say we have a good idea of what our 17 is likely to be for Leeds now, but the door is still open for someone to make a late push for a place.
“It will be useful for players like Horney, Whiting and Johno to get some more game time under their belts, whilst we’ll have a large number of players playing with first-team experience who will all be looking to make a point, such as Josh, Greeny and our outside backs like Crooksy and Tom Lineham.”
Tickets for the game are on sale now from the club’s retail stores priced at £10 for adults and £3 for juniors.
Supporters are advised that prices will rise to £14 for adults on the day of the game, with concessions costing £10 and juniors remaining at £3, while there will also be a £2 transfer to seating available before the match on a first come, first served basis.
Hull FC can also confirm Sunday’s game will kick-off at 3pm at the Huntington Stadium, with the main turnstiles opening at 2pm and the Jockey Lane turnstiles opening at 2.30pm for ticket holders only.
Access to the bar will be via the main reception from 12.30pm.
Likely squad: Shaul, Lineham, Crooks, J Briscoe, Latus, Horne, Nicklas, Bowden, Cunningham, Green, Hadley, Whiting, Johnson, Wilson, Starling, Turgut, Braham, Ward, Abdull, Stark