That's a rough hand to be dealt at this stage (and we should know). Any chance of them being back, though, or are they medium term ones?

mason out 6 weeks, finnegan and kirmond longer

wild and drew not far off but wont make hull game

i was concerned about our lack of props before the season started (we expected to keep sculthorpe but he left for a better offer) and now with mason out even more concerned! really need this new young lad patrick to step up

this game will be much more of a test than against bradford... think hull fc have made the best pre season signings.

but we are a tough team to beat nowadays and the giants keep surprising me so hopefully we win but would say you are faves

Will be a tough forward battle but i think we have more than enough to win the game. Will be tough for Hudds in the pack if Mason and Crabtree are missing.

Going to be a massive crowd I reckon, the first home game always draws a bigger crowd, and the hype from last night will make that even bigger.

and even Hudds can surely bring a decent amount after their good start?

He said at the forum that he was planning to rotate the forwards as we now had class in depth !! so expect one of the boys to get a rest

Speaking of rotation, how good was it seeing Manu come off after half an hour and still looking fresh in the 2nd half as a result?

Worked really well didnt it bringing Lauaki on for Manu. Was good to also see Manu attack the left hand side and Lauaki attack the right, gave us good options and less predictable.

Not for me. Same team if all fit then rotate against Crusaders.

Depends how firm the KC pitch will be on Friday for me. I'd bring Moa in if it's firmer but would stick with the pack as was if not. I'd definately bring Calderwood back in though if he's fit.

I'm not Hall's biggest fan and prefer Calderwood, but think it would be harsh to drop Hall.

Not sure about that. Hall is out of position on the Wing. I cant help thinking that Calderwood would have scored when Hall swooped on the loose ball and got tracked down. Hally did a great job but i think we've got to put our strike winger back in if fit.

I'd keep the same team as long as every one is still fully fit, if not then rotate. We should look to steamroller their pack, probably only two recognised props in there 17 with no Mason.

I said the same at the time. Hall isn't really a winger, though he did a good job last night. Calderwood back in would be a good move if he's fit. Still wouldn't mind seeing Moa get a run out next week, but I can see the reasons for not doing so.

crabtree will play hes not injured

5 sleeps.

stop wishing your life away

If Hull are to win this then it'll be a low scoring game. The impression i'm getting from my forum is that we'll bring a decent turn out for once to the KC. Hope to see us both challenging for the top spots at the end of the season to upset the norm of Weeds and Stains at the top. Be nice to see you back above your scrubber neighbours again



Here's to a good hard clean game on Friday and if any of you fancy a decent bit of match build up and banter on a Hudds forum then you're more than welcome to join us.

Thought brown was one of the most improved players last season and looked to carry that on (last nights game) Hodgson (full back) Brown and Lunt will have to be contained. I think it will be a big test for Tansey, Berigan should be ok against his opposite number Horne and Brown should be a great battle. imo

would like to see turner in for whiting

Sorry to many sherbuts Fridays game

why?

Exactly - -WHY?
I can't see (with due respect to Turner) what we'd benefit from making a change at centre.

Especially after Whiting put in such a good defensive shift, was worried about Gidley and Soliola pre game, wasn't expecting them to be put in there place to such an extent

I don't think a change is required anywhere in the squad that won at Saints.

We need to target Crabtree, with only 2 frontline props available for the game if we can tire the main strike forward out that should give us the advantage we need to win the game.

Also Gilmour looks like a walking penalty machine, lets aim Lauaki, Tickle and Manu at him.