RADFORD ANNOUNCES 19-MAN SQUAD FOR SEASON OPENER

Hull FC head coach Lee Radford has named his preliminary squad ahead of the Black and Whites’ opening Super League encounter with Huddersfield Giants at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday.

As expected travelling supporters will be treated to their first competitive glimpse of new half back combination Marc Sneyd and Leon Pryce, whilst Mark Minichiello is the only other new signing to make the squad.

The Italian international will join captain Gareth Ellis, Hull-born Dean Hadley and the versatile Jordan Thompson as Lee Radford’s back row choices.

The Black and Whites boss has also left himself plenty of options for the prop forward positions, with Liam Watts, Josh Bowden, Chris Green, Mickey Paea and Feka Paleaaesina all receiving his approval, whilst England international Joe Westerman completes the pack from loose forward.

Last season’s Player of the Year Fetuli Talanoa also makes the 19-man squad, with Tom Lineham similarly holding down his place in the side on the wing.

Richard Whiting has completed his rehabilitation on an arm injury that has plagued his pre-season programme to take up his place in the side, whilst fellow Airlie Birds veteran Kirk Yeaman also makes the cut.

Setaimata Sa will hope to carry his impressive pre-season form into the start of the new campaign and makes the preliminary side, whilst young gun Jamie Shaul has fought off fierce competition during the off-season to retain his full back spot.

New signing Steve Michaels will have to wait a little longer for his Super League debut, despite gaining precious game time for Doncaster RL last weekend having made significant progress since undergoing knee surgery prior to Christmas.

Whilst the Australian’s fellow countryman Jordan Rankin will also be disappointed to have missed out on the clash in West Yorkshire, as he continues his recovery from a shoulder knock picked up in the trial game with York City Knights last month.

Hull FC 19-man squad: Bowden, Ellis, Green, Hadley, Houghton, Lineham, Minichiello, Paea, Paleaaesina, Pryce, Sa, Shaul, Sneyd, Talanoa, Thompson, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman

Really looking forward to Sunday. New season and what looks like a good game. I think it will be really close. The Giants will definitely start as favourites but Hull would certainly appear to have the match fitness edge - although that didn't stop us turning Wigan over last season.

Both sides look to have strengthened, both sides have something to prove after disappointing 2014's and both sides know the new format means you don't want to start slowly and be playing catch up in the League.

COYG!

We've not had the favourites tag for a first game in a while. The pressure is going to be huge.
I think this is going to be a game where our fans are going to have to really step up and drive us to a win. Like Widnes' fans last night.
A strong Hull following (I presume) and a strong Hull outfit is going to make this a hard task.

Some of the predictions on the other thread suggest some fans think this will be a straight forward win - don't see it myself but I hope they're right!

Connor should start. If he's the future he should get the game time now whilst we can risk it rather than later when we may not have the luxury. (Not that I think he's a risk)

whos the ref tomorrow?

Roby

yep go the crowd right

and the hull win with us having a disrupted pre season

well done hull, were good today