SL Preview: Hull v Castleford

Hull FC coach Peter Gentle has stuck to his word and made three changes to his 19-man squad for the home tie against Castleford on Friday night.

The Black and Whites will be hoping for a sustained performance rather than the lacklustre showing which saw them beaten 36-16 by Widnes last weekend.

Castleford will want to build on the comeback put up against Wigan Warriors which saw them beaten 28-22 late on.

Hull FC welcome back playmaker Daniel Holdsworth, who has recovered from concussion which has seen him miss the last two games, and there is a first call-up of the season for props Josh Bowden and Liam Watts, with the latter recovering from a hand injury.

Losing their places in the side are Brett Seymour who has been placed on leave following his involvement in a car accident and Ben Crooks and Chris Green who both have knocks.

The only change for the Tigers sees James Clare replace Richard Owen who will play at the weekend for Keighley Cougars under dual registration.

Hull 19-man squad: Arundel, Bowden, Briscoe, Galea, Heremaia, Holdsworth, Horne, Houghton, Johnson, Lineham, Lynch, McDonnell, O’Meley, Pitts, Tickle, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman

Castleford 19-man squad: Carney, Shenton, Webster, Dixon, Chase, Ellis, Clarke, Huby, Gilmour, Hauraki, Millington, Emmitt, Milner, Massey, Holmes, Thompson, Tansey, Clare, Mason

Prediction: Hull look out of sorts of late and have lacked direction without Holdsworth but I’m backing Castleford after a decent showing against Wigan.

Stats:

Hull FC have won their last three meetings with Castleford, with the Tigers’ last win coming 20-18 at the KC Stadium on 1 April, 2011.

Hull FC‘s Tom Briscoe has scored tries in his sides’ last three games against Castleford (2-1-1).

Super League summary:

Hull FC won 17
Castleford won 10
2 draws
Hull FC highest score: 52-18 (A, 2004) (also widest margin)
Castleford highest score: 44-16 (H, 1999) (Widest margin: 30-2, A, 1999; 44-16, H, 1999)