Match Preview | Hull FC (A)

Time to take a look at our opponents this weekend, as Tony Smith's Hull FC stand in our way at the MKM Stadium on Sunday.

Giants Squad News

Ian Watson's men will be looking to get back to winning ways on the road, as they travel to Hull FC and the MKM Stadium on Sunday, looking to win at the home of the Black and Whites for the first time since 2019.

There were no reported injuries vs Catalans Dragons last time out, with the only long term absentees being Theo Fages, Joe Greenwood and Ashton Golding.

Oliver Wilson is edging ever closer to a return to the 21-Man Squad and will take his place in the squad for Sunday's game, with the popular forward in contention for a return to the match-day team.

The Opposition Team

Hull FC currently sit on four points and 11th in the Betfred Super League, after a good start, they have slipped away and have now lost their last seven games after winning their opening two, vs Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos.

Head Coach Tony Smith joined the club from local rivals Hull KR in the off-season and has led a rebuild that has seen numerous new players come through the door such as full-back Tex Hoy and half Jake Clifford.

The latter will return to the FC squad for this weekends game after time not he sidelines due to injury, however Hoy will not and will miss Sunday's clash.

Darnell McIntosh, who came through the Huddersfield Giants Academy system still plays his Rugby League at the MKM Stadium, with the former Giants man likely to line-up for Hull FC this weekend.

Tony Smith has also commented on how Hull FC will be boosted by the returning Scott Taylor (Forward) and Andre Savelio (Back Row) for this weekend's game.

Last time out they were defeated by Leeds Rhinos at Headingley, a ground where they actually recorded a victory earlier on in the season.

Tries: McDonnell (23), Handley (31,48), Holroyd (35), Oledzki (62), Martin (72) 
Conversions: Martin (24,33,36,49,63)

Tries: Tuimavave (54), Litten (65) 
Conversions: McNamara (66)

Previous Results.

Leeds Rhinos 34 -10 Hull FC

Hull FC 0 - 40 Hull KR

Warrington Wolves 34 - 6 Hull FC

Hull FC 16 - 24 Leigh Leopards

St Helens 20 - 12 Hull FC

Key Men

FC despite being third bottom of the Betfred Super League, actually have one of the most experienced squads in the competition, boasting the likes of veteran Hooker Danny Houghton, who recently made his 418th appearance in a Black and White shirt, and Carlos Tuimavave, the centre who has been at the club since 2012, and was selected to Captain Hull FC in 2023.

Liam Sutcliffe joined the club from Leeds Rhinos in the off-season, the popular centre winning the Grand Final with the Rhinos in 2017, added considerable experience to an already quality backline for Tony Smith's squad.

The Giants will have to keep an eye on returning half Jake Clifford, who will partner Ben McNamara in the halves on Sunday and will be looking to secure an important two points for Tony Smith's men.

Clifford joined the club from NRL side Newcastle Knights after making 12 appearances in 2022, and was pivotal in the two victories they have recorded this season.

Last Season

In 2022, we were defeated at the MKM Stadium by Hull FC 14-6, but defeated Hull FC 22-16 and 24-16 (Betfred Challenge Cup) at the John Smith's Stadium.

Match Information

Venue - MKM Stadium, Walton St, Hull HU3 6HU

Date - 23/4/23

Kick Off - 3:05pm

The game will get underway at 3:05pm to avoid clashing with the Governments Emergency Siren Test System.