2019 Super League – Hull FC vs St. Helens Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Hull FC vs St. Helens taking place? Friday 5th July, 19:45
Where is Hull FC vs St. Helens taking place? The KCOM Stadium
What channel is Hull FC vs St. Helens on in the UK? Hull FC vs St Helens will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream the match in the UK? N/A
Where can I get tickets for Hull FC vs St. Helens?
Hull FC – https://ticketing.hullfc.com/
St. Helens – https://www.saintsrlfc.com/tickets/match-tickets/
THE TEAM NEWS
HULL FC
Head Coach: Lee Radford
Squad: Bowden, Connor, Ellis, Faraimo, Fash, Green, Griffin, Houghton, Kelly, Manu, Minichiello, Naulago, Paea, Savelio, Shaul, Sneyd, Taylor, Tuimavave, Westerman
Unavailable: Matty Dawson-Jones, Jordan Lane, Jack Logan
- Hull FC lost their derby with Hull KR as they failed to back-up their spectacular display against Catalans in their previous game and now face a big challenge to bounce back as they host league leaders St. Helens.
- Hull will hope the long turnaround can serve them well and should play with more energy here whilst hoping Albert Kelly can return after he was a late withdrawal because of a hamstring injury.
- He has been named in the 19-man squad once again and is joined by Gareth Ellis who is back in contention following an Achilles injury with Dean Hadley the man to drop out whilst Joe Westerman is expected to be fit despite dislocating his knee in last week’s game.
ST. HELENS
Head Coach: Justin Holbrook
Squad: Amor, Ashworth, Bentley, Coote, Costello, Fages, Grace, Knowles, Lees, Lomax, Makinson, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Naiqama, Paulo, Percival, Peyroux, Swift, Thompson, Walmsley
Unavailable: James Roby, Zeb Taia, Aaron Smith
- League leaders St. Helens did a superb job to come from behind and beat second-placed Warrington in a tough contest last week after playing most of the game without a recognised hooker.
- Saints lost hooker Aaron Smith to an early blow as he suffered a head knock when trying to tackle Warrington’s Sitaleki Akauola but he has failed to recover in time following some side effects this week.
- His place in the 19-man squad is taken by Hull-bound Adam Swift whilst James Bentley is set to deputise for Smith in the hooking role after he filled in from the bench last week with Bentley’s spot among the interchanges up for grabs.
THE PREDICTION
Hull looked tired last week as they lacked spark following an energy-sapping trip to France with the short turnaround not helping their cause. They should be better this week but face a tough ask against St. Helens who will be buoyant after a solid win last week and they can back it up here. The lack of an out-and-out hooker will give Saints cause for concern and they will have to adapt their team accordingly which could open the door for Hull who will make it a good contest. They can win if they are on top of their game but Saints’ consistency should see them edge it.
