Hull FC forced into changes as Ligi Sao one of four to drop out for Salford clash

Hull FC's Ligi Sao in action at the Magic Weekend.
-Credit: (Image: SW Pix)


Simon Grix has made four changes to his Hull FC 21-man squad ahead of Saturday's penultimate game against Salford Red Devils, with the side forced into change following last Friday's game against Leeds Rhinos. The Black and Whites will be without Ligi Sao, Tom Briscoe, and Sam Eseh, with Jed Cartwright also dropping out due to suspension.

Eseh has been recalled by Wigan Warriors, who host Leeds this weekend. Elsewhere, Sao has a calf injury, with the forward playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks. Briscoe also drops out due to illness.

As expected, Davy Litten comes back into the squad after recovering from a knee injury. He is joined by Ed Chamberlain, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, Leon Ruan, who is free to play again, and young centre Ryan Westerman.

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Elsewhere, Carlos Tuimavave is included after confirmation he will depart the club at the end of the season. The Kiwi centre has played over 180 games for the club and will now look to finish the last two weeks with a bang. Morgan Smith is also named and likely to come back into the side. The half-back or hooker missed last week’s defeat at Headingley due to the birth of his second child.

He is joined by a strong core of Hull’s youth, with Will Gardiner, Harvey Barron, Lewis Martin, Zach Jebson, Denive Balmforth, Matty Laidlaw, Logan Moy, and Jack Charles all included.

On the injury front, Hull remain without Liam Sutcliffe (foot), Jake Trueman (calf), Danny Houghton (calf), Nick Staveley (knee), Charlie Severs (shoulder), King Vuniyayawa (ankle), and Will Kirby (ankle).

Salford, meanwhile, have made two changes, with Ben Hellwell and Loglan Lewis returning. Sam Stone and Amir Bourouh drop out.

Hull 21-man squad: 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 8. Herman Ese'ese, 13. Brad Fash, 15. Jordan Lane, 16. Jack Ashworth, 19. Morgan Smith, 21. Will Gardiner, 23. Davy Litten, 25. Harvey Barron, 26. Lewis Martin, 27. Zach Jebson, 28. Denive Balmforth, 30. Matty Laidlaw, 31. Jack Walker, 37. Logan Moy, 40. Jack Charles, 43. Ed Chamberlain, 45. Yusuf Aydin, 46. Tiaki Chan, 51. Leon Ruan, 54. Ryan Westerman

Salford 21-man squad: 1. Ryan Brierley, 2. Ethan Ryan, 4. Nene Macdonald, 4. Tim Lafai, 5. Deon Cross, 7. Marc Sneyd, 8. Brad Singleton, 12. Kallum Watkins, 13. Oli Partington, 14. Chris Atkin, 15. Shane Wright, 16. Joe Shorrocks, 17. Jack Ormondroyd, 18. Ben Hellwell, 23. Chris Hankinson, 24. Joe Mellor, 27. Gil Dudson, 28. Harvey Wilson, 29. Loghan Lewis, 31. Joe Bullock, 32. Jayden Nikorima

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