Sure cats are one of the hardest teams to beat at there own place but I think we have a great opportunity to grab the points, they had a hard slog in the mud at Wigan last week so not much chance to use set plays etc... were as we got more chance to bed the new plays in and with having a week off afterwards we can really go for it. Now that Sika has been past to play I would leave Ellis to the Cas game so he can build up more fitness as our bench was fantastic last week I wouldn't change it.

[urlhttp://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hull-FC-charter-flight-Catalans-Dragons/story-28701961-detail/story.html[/urlAs a lot have said Catalans is a tough place to go and get a win. The first thing Radford said after the Salford game was about our poor record at Catalan and hopefully that will change on Saturday. To win on Saturday would not only give the players another lift but also the fans, keeping the feel good factor at the club and hopefully get another big crowd for the Cas game. AP has chartered a plane for the team to travel on Friday and come home straight after the game. Pearson is putting his money were his mouth is and know what an important season this is for Hull FC, trying to keep the same routine as any other away match. They have done all they can to prepare well for game and I think we can go their and win.

Its one of the tougher away trips of the season, but playing them in February with a bit of rain forecast is the ideal time to play them. I dont think they have anything in the backs to overly concern us. My only tweak to our usual game plan would be to send plenty of traffic in Carney's direction, if he has a quiet game we win imo. Win the forward battle and I think we will have a bit too much quality for them out wide, even without Fonua.

Hello Hullites,Yes the Dragons are definitely much better at home,but we are vulnerable early on.Compared with last season we have made some improvements such as the long overdue removal of Escare for hopeless defensive play,and it looks as if Carney is now fit.However, we have lost our brilliant second row-Taia and Whitehead- and it remains to be seen how good their replacements are.Our Props are good ,but both Casty and Anderson are injured.
We made a lot of simple errors in the mud last week,but our defence looked significantly better -and our attack significantly worse-than last year.
The match was very close last year-as was the game at Hull- and either side could have won.My friend is an F.C. supporter and we shall watch the game on Tele.
Saturday will be the 10th anniversary of the Catalan entry to superleague and not even the most curmudgeony "heartlander" can deny that it has worked.

with fonua out looks like micheals might play,hes the safe option imo, but would have been nice to see how Lancaster would have gone

I dont think Fonua is a big loss tbh. I know many have lauded his signing but i never got it. He's like a younger and greener Lineham who may develop in time but isnt any where near atm. Michaels whilst not being a big powerhouse built a decent pairing with Logan last year and offers more all round as hes better with the high ball and in defense

Going out with a mate on Princess Ave, which pub in that area or Newland would you think would be best to watch the game, Atmosphere etc. Game clashes with a football game, so want to make sure that it is on and have the commentary on also?

Probably Pearsons for Rugby, if not , Botanic will definitely have it on down spring bank, or just sack princess/newland ave off and watch in New Clarence in town, HD Projectors, decent picture last time I was in, foods good to

Couldn't disagree anymore. The difference of his returns and fast play of the balls against lineham is 10 fold. Made breaks or the forwards where powering forward against still moving back defensive lines or split markers every time. Also 2 games 2 tries is a decent start. But mostly it's just a shame having to break up new combos in the 2nd game in

I agree, much quicker into contact and got a quick play the ball or won a penalty (I counted 3 he won against Salford) due to his speed at wanting to get up. I also don't think Lineham would have had the mobility to get to the Houghton kick either

Ellis, Manu, Shaul and Michaels in the squad.

So looks like Michaels for Fonua. Shaul to play. The pack and bench is anyone's guess, but personally I would leave out Minichiello.

I'd certainly not leave out mini. His speed and footwork is an asset at the best of times. Against 1 of the few teams who can match us for size I'd look to use that. Nearly every week I'd use Washy off the bench. But on account of cats decent size and rain being due I'd really go heavy forward wise. Same 4 prop rotation. Ellis Thompson sharing 13. I'd prob start ellis with tommo coming on to add middle threat after the opening 'arm wrestle'

Bowden, Ellis, Green, Houghton, Logan, Manu, Michaels, Minichiello, Paleaaesina, Pritchard, Pryce, Shaul, Sneyd, Talanoa, Taylor, Thompson, Tuimavave, Washbrook, Watts.

Feka to miss out, but the other one is tough! Ellis has to play, does anybody deserve to be dropped after last week? The beauty with having a strong squad is that if anyone picks up the slightest knock, we don't have to play them anymore.

Not a bad call. I was concerned about what we would do if one of the backs got a knock but I guess if Thompson is in the side it gives us some scope to juggle about. Not sure who would play hooker if anything happens to Houghton though. Maybe Tuimavave, or Pryce with Tuimavave going to 6 and Thompson to centre.

I think it's a moot point anyway. I can't see anything other than Ellis in for Green, but I personally don't think he deserves to miss out.

I'd agree with Thompson and Ellis sharing, but to feel its harsh on Washy. Thought he filled in well when called up. I feel it'll be Thompson or Washbrook that misses out, providing everyone is fit.

Watts and Mini were the most ineffective forwards on Friday but apparently Mini had been suffering with some sort of illness during the week and wasnt 100% so maybe accounts for his performance.
He will play anyway.
Ellis will come in for either Green or Washbrook.Tough call but i would stay with Green whilst his form is good.

Can't see him leaving washbrook out as he's cover for back row and hooker. thompson to miss out for me

I suspect you're right, but harsh on Thompson. Thought he was very good last week.

Leave out Mini, why? Has he got a knock? If anything I'd give Ellis another week off. Not like we're short on back rowers.

Easy decision for me , green or washbrook, id prefer to leave washbrook out, but maybe keep him purely for is versatility. But it either way, not bothered, we've got our captain back, fantastic. Really looking forward to this

Big big test and a real mark to make in proving we are the real deal but I believe we can go out there and steal this one. I predict 24 - 18 in favour of Hull...

Well, it's a nice problem to have. We can't decide which is the best pack to put onto the field, and it's not because of injuries! Long may it continue.

I'd have Ellis in for Green. He can come off the bench for a few hit ups and test the ankle. He will also offer some resolute defense while Taylor is off the pitch.

I like Thompson in the middle. His running around the ruck can upset defenses. If him and Pryce play like they did last week then Abdull will have a long wait for a turn.

I'd go with the same.

We saw last week how beneficial it is to have someone with versatility like Washy on the bench, so I think he has to stay.

Thompson offers a different dynamic to the others playing down the middle. He's faster and more mobile, and I think he deserves to keep his shirt after last week. Bowden probably just edged Green v Salford for me, but that's taking nothing away from Green's performance at all. Unfortunately for him, you can't have someone of Ellis' calibre ready to roll but sat in the stands, he has to come in somewhere.

I just think that he has been our weakest performer for the last two games, and as good as he is going forward I've never been sure about his defending.

I actually agree about giving Ellis another week, but he is clearly going to play, so for me it should be for Minichiello.