Super 8s Preview: Leeds v Hull (Thu)

James Gordon

Hull coach Lee Radford is happy to win ugly at Leeds tonight.

The Airlie Birds are back in Super League action just five days after their second successive Challenge Cup triumph at Wembley.

A defeat to Huddersfield last time out means a win at Headingley could be crucial when it comes to preserving their top four berth.

Radford told the club’s official website: “I wanted the Cup final to be a spectacle, but I’m not bothered about tonight being a spectacle.

“As long as we can get the result, I’ll snag it, because that’s far more important than the performance.”

The short turnaround has cost Hull the services of Josh Griffin, Liam Watts and Mark Minichiello, who all sit out.

Leeds make just one change to their 19-man squad from their win over St Helens, bringing in Ashton Golding for Jordan Lilley.

A win for them in this one will virtually guarantee their place in the Super League play-off semi-finals.

Stats:

Leeds have won their last eleven home meetings with Hull FC.
Hull’s last win at Headingley was 17-6 on 7 September, 2007.
Leeds’ Ryan Hall has scored tries in the Rhinos’ last three games against Hull FC (1-1-2).
Hull FC’s Scott Taylor has scored a try in each of his sides’ last three games against Leeds.

Last ten meetings:

Hull FC 43, Leeds 24 (CCSF, 29/7/17) (at Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster)
Leeds 10, Hull FC 7 (SLR22, 14/7/17)
Hull FC 24, Leeds 52 (SLR9, 14/4/17)
Hull FC 15, Leeds 20 (SLR21, 8/7/16)
Leeds 20, Hull FC 18 (SLR11, 15/4/16)
Hull FC 22, Leeds 36 (SLS8-R3, 21/8/15)
Hull FC 6, Leeds 24 (CCQF, 26/6/15)
Leeds 32, Hull FC 20 (SLR19, 21/6/15)
Hull FC 12, Leeds 43 (SLR4, 5/3/15)
Hull FC 24, Leeds 19 (SLR27, 12/9/14)

Super League summary

Leeds won 35 (includes wins in 2002 and 2011 play-offs)
Hull FC won 11
1 draw
Leeds highest score: 52-10 (H, 2002); 52-24 (A, 2017) (Widest margin: 52-10, H, 2002)
Hull FC highest score: 38-6 (H, 2002) (also widest margin)

Squads:

Leeds: Golding, Briscoe, Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Parcell, Cuthbertson, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Ward, Sutcliffe, Delaney, Singleton, Garbutt, Keinhorst, Mullally, Walker.

Hull: Shaul, Fonua, Tuimavave, Talanoa, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Ellis, Connor, Green, Thompson, Washbrook, Michaels, Manu, Bowden, Turgut, Downs, Fash.

Prediction:

Cup final hangover for Hull as Leeds inch towards Old Trafford – Rhinos by 14.