Super 8s Preview: Hull v Huddersfield (Fri)

Hull’s final game before their trip to Wembley for the Challenge Cup final is against a Huddersfield side hunting a win.

A defeat would virtually spell the end for the Giants top four hopes, and they’ll be hopeful of causing an upset at the KCOM Stadium, with the Airlie Birds perhaps having one eye on Wembley.

Hull’s win at St Helens last week means whatever happens, they’ll be in third place.

Huddersfield, missing long-term absentee Jake Mamo, are also without Leroy Cudjoe for this one, with Gene Ormsby deputising.

Hull are boosted by the return of inspirational back-rower Mark Minichiello, who is likely to line-up alongside Gareth Ellis, who has announced he will be bringing down the curtain on his decorated playing career at the end of the season.

Ellis is set to make his 450th career appearance if selected, which will also be his 100th for Hull.

Fetuli Talanoa is also set for his 100th club appearance, having sat out last week through illness.

Last ten meetings:

Hull FC 14, Huddersfield 10 (SLR23, 21/7/17)
Huddersfield 8, Hull FC 48 (SLR3, 2/3/17)
Huddersfield 22, Hull FC 12 (SLR20, 30/6/16)
Hull FC 37, Huddersfield 20 (SLR10, 8/4/16)
Hull FC 20, Huddersfield 34 (SLS8-R6, 18/9/15)
Hull FC 4, Huddersfield 24 (SLR12, 24/4/15)
Huddersfield 0, Hull FC 19 (SLR1, 8/2/15)
Huddersfield 38, Hull FC 28 (SLR26, 7/9/14)
Hull FC 30, Huddersfield 6 (SLR8, 10/4/14)
Huddersfield 76, Hull FC 18 (SLPSF, 19/9/13)

Super League summary

Hull FC won 29 (includes wins in 2007 and 2012 play-offs)
Huddersfield won 18 (includes win in 2013 play-offs)
1 draw
Hull FC highest score: 48-8 (A, 2017) (also widest margin)
Huddersfield highest score: 76-18 (H, 2013 PSF) (also widest margin)

Squads:

Hull: Shaul, Fonua, Tuimavave, Griffin, Talanoa, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Watts, Minichiello, Ellis, Connor, Green, Thompson, Washbrook, Manu, Bowden, Turgut.

Huddersfield: McGillvary, Gaskell, Brough, Hinchcliffe, Wakeman, Lawrence, Leeming, Ikahihifo, Ta’ai, Clough, Mason, Smith, Ormsby, Dickinson, McIntosh, Mellor, O’Brien, Turner, Rankin

Prediction:

Hull of old may have been caught out here, but not anymore – FC by 14.