Team news: Hull FC v Catalans (Thur)

James Messenger

Bureta Faraimo is set to return from injury for Hull FC, while Sam Tomkins and Micky McIlorum both return for Catalans. 

Lee Radford makes three alterations following last weekend’s embarrassing loss to Huddersfield at the Magic Weekend. USA international Faraimo has recovered from a dead leg and is named in the 19-man squad alongside Andre Savelio and Jez Litten. Joe Westerman, Masi Matongo and Keiran Buchanan are the trio to drop out.

Steve McNamara has opted for just two changes after their victory against Wakefield in the Magic Weekend opener. Tomkins and McIlorum return to the side, with Lambert Belmas and Benjamin Jullien making way.

Messenger’s money-maker: Either side to score a drop-goal is priced at 9/4.

Hull FC’s 19-man squad: Jamie Shaul, Bureta Faraimo, Josh Griffin, Albert Kelly, Marc Sneyd, Scott Taylor, Danny Houghton, Josh Bowden, Dean Hadley, Mark Minichiello, Jake Connor, Chris Green, Brad Fash, Sika Manu, Mickey Paea, Jez Litten, Danny Washbrook, Ratu Naulago, Andre Savelio.

Catalans’ 19-man squad: Tony Gigoy, David Mead, Brayden Wiliame, Lewis Tierney, Samisoni Langi, Matty Smith, Remi Casty, Micky McIlorum, Sam Moa, Kenny Edwards, Ben Garcia, Julian Bousquet, Mickael Simon, Matt Whitley, Alrix Da Costa, Jason Baitieri, Fouad Yaha, Sam Kasiano.

Hull FC are 8/11 favourites to progress to the last four, while Catalans are 6/5 to keep their title defence alive.