Yahoo News Tony Smith to blood Hull FC signings at Doncaster as young stars also rewarded
Tony Smith has confirmed that Hull FC's new signings will play at Doncaster this Sunday afternoon, with overseas quartet Fa'amanu Brown, Herman Ese'ese, Jayden Okunbor, and Franklin Pele joined by domestic quintet Jack Ashworth, Morgan Smith, Liam Tindall, and Jack Walker.
The Black and Whites will field a big squad in South Yorkshire, with a splattering of young players also included after their promising performances against Bradford Bulls last weekend.
In total, eight recruits will be on display for the first time, with Smith eager to blood his new talent, four of whom have come from an Australian summer, and 'acclimatise' them to the British game.
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Speaking to Hull Live, Smith said: "We haven't been shy that we're playing the big boys this week. Everyone who is fit and healthy will be playing. There will be some varying minutes; some will play longer than others, but we'll have quite a few extras and some boys who haven't had a run yet, plus a scattering of young guys who did have a run last weekend. They'll be in.
"All of the new signings will play. It's important for them. We have made a lot of changes, and they need to play alongside each other, particularly the overseas players, to acclimatise to winter rugby and rugby in this country. There are different interpretations, different styles, and different teammates. It's a different way of playing.
"It gives them a chance to develop some combinations with each other, and it helps us work out where we need to focus next. We're doing a lot of stuff in training to prepare for round one, but you need to play some games and find out what needs reinforcing or what needs to be pushed harder."
The Black and Whites will be without Danny Houghton and Denive Balmforth due to injuries, as reported by Hull Live on Thursday. Instead, Joe Cator will start at hooker, having trained in the position throughout the pre-season.
Cator will be joined by young dummy-half Jeylan Hodgson, who impressed at Odsal last week, with the likes of Charlie Severs getting another runout. Davy Litten is also back after illness and set to play a part.
"Danny Houghton isn't going to play," Smith explained. "He's just strained a ligament in his hand in training. It's nothing serious, but we just need it to settle down rather than put him in a friendly situation and maybe damage it further. He should be fine by the time we play Wigan.
"Denive carried a shoulder issue into the last game, and it probably affected the way he played a little bit. He had some really good glimpses, but he also had some moments that affected him. He won't participate this week. He needs to get himself physically ready before he can go out and perform to the level that he needs to.
"We've still got a number of players who can cover the nine position, but Cator will get the first nod. He has spent most of pre-season playing in the nine role as well as at 13. He's been really keen to practice there, and he'll enjoy getting the minutes, I'm sure.
"I'm also going to include Jeylan Hodgson as a reward for what he did last week. I thought he came off the bench and did a really good job. He stiffened us up in defence, and he was really enthusiastic. I'm happy to include him and a few others as well."
