'Keep improving' Hull FC message clear ahead of arduous Warrington Wolves test
Hull FC head to Warrington Wolves for the second time of the 2024 season on Friday night. Here, are our rugby league team preview the clash.
James Smailes - Head of Sport
Hull FC were better last week. They were still some way off where they needed to be, but there were signs of improvement, and right now, that's as much as anyone can ask for or expect. There needs to be an example of those improvements again this week at Warrington in a game few expect them to win.
The Wolves will be smarting from their surprise loss at Salford Red Devils and will be determined to not give up any further ground at the top of the table. FC's job is to make it as tough as possible for their hosts and they do that by showing the desire and cohesion in defence which there were signs of last week against Leeds Rhinos.
Warrington are a better team than Leeds, they'll throw more at FC, and it'll be a far greater task to limit the points scored by their opponents, but a small improvement on last week will aid that cause. Prediction: Warrington by 10 points.
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Matthew Shaw - Rugby League Live
Last week was an encouraging step in the right direction for Hull FC who, despite still not being fantastic, got back to being competitive and showing they can stick in a fight. That has to be the bare minimum now and if they can at least maintain that, it would be a good indication that they are improving under Simon Grix. They take on his former club, Warrington on Friday and they'll be reeling after defeat to Salford last time out. The Black and Whites made a good first of it before a ridiculous red card for Nu Brown last time out and, while I don't see them winning, I think they'll be able to stick in and amongst the contest again. Prediction: Warrington by 12
Dan Tomlinson - Hull Daily Mail
For me, there was one comment from Simon Grix that really stood out when assessing Hull FC's performance against Leeds Rhinos: "We looked like a rugby team again." That was it. Hull looked more connected. Defensively, they had a real go, and while there are obvious improvements in attack, it was a step forward. Now it's about taking the next leap and showing more fight without the ball and more guile with it.
Obviously, there is a long way to go in this team but last Sunday was a foundation. It's something to build on, and with Jake Trueman expected to make his return, it's hoped that Hull can take another step in their mountain climb. Let's make this clear; Trueman isn't the saviour and results aren't going to turn just because he's back, but his return is a massive boost for everyone. He will make Hull better, of that there is no doubt. He just needs time to get into his stride again. That goes for Hull as a collective. It's not an overnight fix. It's about taking small steps forward. That's the reality of the current situation, but here's hoping they can take another one here, albeit up against a quality opponent. Prediction: Warrington by 14
Bookies say
Super League title sponsor Betfred have Warrington as 1/25 favourites to defeat Hull FC. The Black and Whites are priced at 10/1 with the draw priced at 25/1. The Wire are -30 on the handicap.
*Odds correct as of Thursday 2 May, 11pm
Last Five Meetings
2024: Warrington 36 Hull 10
2023: Hull 4 Warrington 18
2023: Hull 30 Warrington 18
2023: Warrington 34 Hull 6
2022: Warrington 4 Hull 0
Gameday
As always, you can follow Hull FC right here with us. Our live blog will start at 5pm, with team news, build-up and all the match action to follow.
Read more: 'Not the Messiah' Jake Trueman return met with caution as Hull FC target step forward