Hull still have work to do in their last game of the season to ensure a home tie in the playoffs as they contemplate the rather complicated rules governing which side receives the benefit of a home tie.
Rossendale prevented Hull from reaching the playoffs last year and whilst they cannot do that this time, they will still present a formidable challenge to the east Yorkshire side.
Rossendale have won their last six games including two against the useful Billingham outfit and one away at Wirrral.
For their part, Hull have been playing well since Christmas and showed a sharp edge to their game in the resounding 52-8 victory against Kirby Lonsdale last week.
As important as anything in Hull’s continuing good form has been the hard work of their second row forwards where Paul Hamber, Liam Regardsoe and the returning Cameron Curry have all put in maximum effort at the lineout and have offered a physical challenge throughout the game.
Hull’s half backs Harvey Harding and Stephen Johnson have made good use of the forwards hard work and will need to continue that over the next three games which include a Yorkshire Cup final and a play-off game for the right to progress to National League Three.
Rossendale’s pitch can be heavy but recent dry weather may give the surface a bit of stability which could suit Hull’s open style of rugby.
Even if it remains wet Hull have shown an ability to cope well in such conditions as their win at Kendal demonstrated.
Hull have a good opportunity to round off their league programme with another victory but they will need to ensure a sound kicking game and maintain the clinical edge they have shown in recent weeks to come away with the points against a sice looking for their seventh straight win.
Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 