Hull FC backed to break losing run against Leeds Rhinos on key condition

Hull FC host Leeds Rhinos on a brand-new MKM Stadium pitch this Saturday afternoon, with Simon Grix's outfit looking for their first win in three months. Here, our reporters preview the clash.

James Smailes - Head of Sport
I feel like I've been tipping Hull FC for weeks on end to finally snap their losing streak, so why break the habit? The Black and Whites will win again at some point, and why not against a Leeds Rhinos team that is the model of inconsistency. Hull have had two weeks to work on plenty of aspects of their game, and should they have used it wisely, they can take encouragement from pushing Huddersfield Giants relatively closer and their late comeback at Castleford Tigers. If they can start better and not be chasing the game in the final quarter, then they'll have a real chance. I think Leeds will provide some opportunities for points, Hull just need to be sharp enough to take them. Prediction: Hull by 4 points

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Matthew Shaw - Rugby League Live
This may be brave and without any particular evidence to back up my theory, but I've got a sneaky feeling the losing streak ends here. The Black and Whites are on a rotten run, but for all intents and purposes, the scorelines have been closer since Simon Grix was placed in interim charge, and there are signs of steady improvement. They take on a Leeds side that is inconsistent and hasn't been playing great regardless, though they did comfortably defeat Castleford Tigers last time out.

But at some point, Hull will win a game, and this feels like their best opportunity for the next couple of months. That desperation might just see them home and end this horrible streak. Prediction: Hull by 6 points.

Dan Tomlinson - Hull Daily Mail
So, here we are at the end of another high-profile Hull FC week. It couldn't have gotten off to a worse start with the Treigh Stewart news and the swift (and correct) call to terminate his contract. The bad news then kept coming, with Pete Riding's departure confirmed. However, that was counterbalanced with three contract confirmations for Davy Litten, Lewis Martin, and Jack Charles, not to mention Jed Cartwright's visa approval. He will arrive in the UK this weekend and could debut against Warrington Wolves next week.

Now it's time for some rugby league, and this, up against an inconsistent Leeds side, is a good chance for Hull to get the win they crave. They have talked about confidence and desperation once again this week and they just have to show both elements from the first set. They should have won at Huddersfield two weeks ago, and they just have to take their chances when they arise here, with more pressure mounted from stronger ends to their sets.

Hull know the blueprint; they have been more competitive in recent weeks and are sticking at it for longer periods. They just can't afford to chase the game again. If they can post the first points and build on their performance, then a victory is within grasp. This is their best shot back at home in front of a big crowd, so I'll complete the hat-trick and back them to get the job done. Just. Prediction: Hull by 2 points.

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