SL Preview: Hull v Warrington

After a combative victory over an aggressive Catalan Dragons last week, things do not get any easier for the Wolves this weekend. 

Trips to the East Riding of Yorkshire are never easy at the best of times, but Hull FC are sure to be well motivated for this clash.

The Airlie Birds have started the season with mixed results, losing to Leeds Rhinos on the opening day of the season, before recording a convincing victory over Bradford Bulls at home, and holding St Helens to a draw at Langtree Park last week.

They are still without Gareth Ellis, while Danny Tickle, Liam Watts and Jason Crookes are also missing.

Wolves will need to keep an eye on Hull’s star winger Tom Briscoe, who weighed in with two tries at Saints. The return of halfback Lee Briers should help in this regard, although Wire will be without influential back-rower Ben Westwood, sinbinned against Catalan for his fight with Brent Webb.

History is certainly on the wolves’ side though. They are unbeaten on their last five trips to the KC stadium, having recorded four victories and one draw there since 2007. 

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

Warrington Wolves 19-man squad: Atkins, Carvell, Cooper, Currie, Evans, Grix, Higham, Hill, Hodgson, Laithwaite, McCarthy, J Monaghan, M Monaghan, Myler, Ratchford, Riley, Saltonstall, Waterhouse, Wood

Prediction: Hull will be keen to show that they have the quality to compete with the top four, but the return of Briers may be crucial. A hard fought Warrington win by four points, although they’ll know they’ve been in a game.

Last 10 Meetings:

Warrington 24, Hull FC 12 (SLPSF, 22/9/12)
Warrington 40, Hull FC 18 (SLR18, 24/6/12)
Hull FC 20, Warrington 20 (SLR1, 5/2/12)
Hull FC 12, Warrington 34 (SLR27, 9/9/11)
Warrington 10, Hull FC 24 (SLR12, 25/4/11)
Warrington 36, Hull FC 18 (SLR26, 20/8/10)
Hull FC 10, Warrington 29 (SLR10, 5/4/10)
Warrington 24, Hull FC 12 (SLR18, 28/6/09)
Hull FC 16, Warrington 18 (SLR13, 16/5/09)
Hull FC 22, Warrington 24 (SLR19, 29/6/08)

Super League summary:

Hull FC won 14 (includes win in 2005 play-offs)
Warrington won 20 (includes win in 2012 play-offs)
1 draw
Hull FC highest score. 46-14 (H, 2007) (Widest margin. 40-6, A, 2005 EPO)
Warrington highest score. 46-24 (H, 2006) (Widest margin. 41-10, H, 2000)