2019 Rugby League Challenge Cup – Hull FC vs Catalans Dragons Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Hull FC vs Catalans Dragons taking place? Thursday 30th May, 19:35
Where is Hull FC vs Catalans Dragons taking place? KCOM Stadium
What channel is Hull FC vs Catalans Dragons on in the UK? Sky Sports Arena
Where can I stream the match in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Hull FC vs Catalans Dragons?
Hull FC – https://hullfcshop.com/collections/tickets
Catalans Dragons – https://www.dragons-billetterie.com/uk
THE TEAM NEWS
HULL FC
Head Coach: Lee Radford
Squad: Bowden, Connor, Faraimo, Fash, Green, Griffin, Hadley, Houghton, Kelly, Litten, Manu, Minichiello, Naulago, Paea, Savelio, Shaul, Sneyd, Taylor, Washbrook
Unavailable: Matty Dawson-Jones, Jordan Lane, Carlos Tuimavave, Gareth Ellis, Jack Logan, Joe Westerman
- Hull FC produced a shambolic performance as they conceded 55 points against Huddersfield at Magic Weekend to suffer another heavy defeat with a Challenge Cup quarter-final the perfect chance to respond in knockout football.
- Hull will be sweating on the fitness of captain Danny Houghton who remains a doubt despite being named in the 19-man squad whilst youngster Jez Litten has received a call-up and is expected to play even if Houghton is named.
- Andre Savelio has been named in the 19 after overcoming injury whilst Bureta Faraimo is also back with Joe Westerman dropping out through injury along with Kieran Buchanan and Masi Matongo who are both dropped.
CATALANS DRAGONS
Head Coach: Steve McNamara
Squad: Baitieri, Bousquet, Casty, Da Costa, Edwards, Garcia, Gigot, Kasiano, Langi, McIlorum, Mead, Moa, Simon, Smith, Tierney, Tomkins, Whitley, Wiliame, Yaha
Unavailable: Mickael Goudemand, Greg Bird
- Catalans held off a Wakefield fightback to edge a win against Wakefield at Magic Weekend as their impressive run of form continued with their attention now turning to defending their Challenge Cup crown.
- The Dragons have so far coped without the presence of the influential Sam Tomkins but will be desperately hoping he can return here and it looks as though he may just do that after he was named in the 19-man squad.
- Michael McIlorum also returns to give the Dragons a huge boost with the French side now missing just two players to injury in the form of Mickael Goudemand and Greg Bird whilst Lambert Belmas and Benjamin Jullien the two who drop out from last week’s squad.
THE PREDICTION
Reigning Challenge Cup holders Catalans face the previous winners of the cup in an intriguing battle. Hull FC lie in wait and will be looking for a response after they were embarrassed last week. They will improve on that effort which should make this a tight game. The Dragons will not want to relinquish their title and come into this as the better side of the two based on recent performances but that might count for little in knockout football. However, the Dragons should have too much for the home side here.
