SL Preview: Hull v Bradford

James Gordon

Hull will be aiming for their first win of the season against a revitalised Bradford at the KC Stadium on Friday.

In Francis Cummins’ first game in charge, the Bulls thumped Wakefield 40-6, while the Airlie Birds lost to Leeds in their Super League opener last weekend.

Hull are without Gareth Ellis, injured during the warm-up at Headingley, as well as Liam Watts and Danny Tickle.

Bradford, who shipped 70 points to Hull the last time the two sides met in September, are unchanged.

Hull 19-man squad: Arundel, Briscoe, Crookes, Crooks, Galea, Green, Heremaia, Holdsworth, Horne, Houghton, Johnson, Lynch, McDonnell, O’Meley, Pitts, Seymour, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman.

Bradford 19-man squad: Sidlow, Donaldson, Platt, Manuokafoa, Langley, Distin, Kearney, Scruton, L’Estrange, Blythe, K Lulia, Whitehead, Kear, Sammut, Addy, Olbison, C Walker, Murphy, Foster.

Prediction: Important for Hull to bounce back following the loss of Ellis and to Leeds – home win.

Stats:

Hull FC have won their last six meetings (three at home) with Bradford, with the Bulls’ last win against the Black and Whites coming 21-18 at the KC Stadium on 11 September, 2009.

Super League summary:

Hull FC won 13 (includes win in 2006 play-offs)
Bradford won 25 (includes win in 2005 play-offs)
2 draws
Hull FC highest score. 70-6 (A, 2012) (also widest margin)
Bradford highest score. 71-0 (H, 2005 ESF) (also widest margin)