How Hull FC could line up against Catalans Dragons with six players hoping to return
Hull FC will hope to welcome back as many as six players into their side for Saturday's visit of Catalans Dragons. The Black and Whites host the French outfit in their final game of the year, with Simon Grix potentially adding half a dozen faces into his line-up.
Hull's one certainty is Jed Cartwright, with the Aussie forward back in the frame after the completion of a one-match suspension. However, after missing the last two games, Danny Houghton is pushing to play in what will be his final professional rugby league game before retirement. The hooker has missed the last two weeks with a calf injury but is hoping to play a part on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Carlos Tuimavave and Tom Briscoe will be aiming to feature after overcoming a recent 'illness.' Ligi Sao too has an ankle issue that kept him out against the Red Devils, while Jake Trueman has not been ruled out in what would also be his final appearance for the club. A further update from Simon Grix will come later this week.
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The interim coach will be forced into at least three changes for their final game of the season, with Davy Litten (knee), Ed Chamberlain (shoulder), and Brad Fash (ankle) all suffering knocks. Jordan Lane also came off for a HIA, which he passed.
On the youth front, Jack Charles is playing for the academy this Monday evening at St Helens. The 18-year-old has been selected in Francis Cummins' squad for the trip to Merseyside. Whether or not he will play three games inside eight days or not remains to be seen, but it's fair to expect the likes of Logan Moy, Harvey Barron, Lewis Martin, Will Gardiner, Zach Jebson, and Denive Balmforth to be in contention again.
In the spine, Hull could call on Jack Walker and Jake Trueman should the latter pass the necessary return-to-play tests. Herman Ese'ese and Yusuf Aydin should be good to go again in the front row, with Jack Ashworth also fit and healthy. Tiaki Chan and Leon Ruan are also options alongside Matty Laidlaw.
Here's how Hull could line up against the Dragons.
Starting XIII: 37. Logan Moy; 25. Harvey Barron, 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 44. Tom Briscoe, 26. Lewis Martin; 6. Jake Trueman, 31. Jack Walker; 8. Herman Ese’ese, 9. Danny Houghton, 12. Ligi Sao; 48. Jed Cartwright, 15. Jordan Lane; 45. Yusuf Aydin
Interchange: 16. Jack Ashworth, 21. Will Gardiner, 27. Zach Jebson, 28. Denive Balmforth. 18th Man: 19. Morgan Smith
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