SL Preview: Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos travel to Hull FC on Friday night looking to end a run of three straight defeats.

Brian McDermott’s Rhinos exited the Challenge Cup to Huddersfield before following it up with back-to-back Super League defeats against St Helens and Wigan.

Hull FC edged a tight derby with rivals Hull KR over Magic Weekend and have lost just one of their last nine games.

Coach Peter Gentle makes two changes to the squad that won at the weekend, with forwards Joe Westerman and Ben Galea recalled after both recovered from thumb injuries. Half-back Richard Horne left the field on crutches at the weekend and therefore misses the visit of Leeds. 

Brett Delaney returns to the Rhinos squad after collapsing at the end of the St Helens defeat and spending a night in hospital. Youngsters Brad Singleton and Liam Sutcliffe retain their places after impressing in the Magic Weekend defeat to Wigan.

Hull FC 19-man squad: Bowden, Briscoe, Crooks, Ellis, Galea, Green, Holdsworth, Heremaia, Houghton, Johnson, Lineham, Lynch, McDonnell, O’Meley, Pitts, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman

Leeds Rhinos 19-man squad: Hardaker, Watkins Moon, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, McShane, Jones-Buchanen, Sinfield, Delaney, Bailey, Kirke, Clarkson, Achurch, Moore, Singleton, Vickery, Sutcliffe. 

Prediction: Hull are in good form but Super League champions Leeds will be desperate to win – Leeds win.

Stats:

Jamie Jones-Buchanen needs one appearance to reach 300 for Leeds. Jones-Buchanan made his Rhinos debut in a 22-8 win against Wakefield at Headingley on 7 May, 1999.

Ryan Hall needs one try to reach 150 for Leeds. Hall has touched down 149 times in 178 games for the Rhinos since 2007.

Super League summary:

Hull FC won 9

Leeds won 27 (includes wins in 2002 & 2011 play-offs)

1 draw

Hull FC highest score: 38-6 (H, 2002) (also widest margin)

Leeds highest score: 52-10 (H, 2002) (also widest margin)