Hull travel to Otley on Saturday to start their season back in National 2 North after a year in Div 1.
A series of long-term injuries have see some of the teams most regular players become unavailable. Wingers Mike Adlard and Keane Naylor are out for considerably long spells and centre Stephen Johnson is awaiting further assessment to his back injury but will be sidelined for a number of weeks.
Last season’s co-captain in Hull’s League One campaign, Cameron Curry, has had to retire due to a severe arm injury .This has meant that Hull’s coaching staff have had to recruit significantly to strengthen the side and some quality players have been signed to mitigate the loss of so many regulars.
Debut back rowers Joji Logavatu and Jack Baldry team up with last season’s regular number eight and vice captain Will Hall in the back row. The front five have all had some experience with veterans Mike Jobling at prop and Liam Regardsoe at second row lending years of experience with relative youngsters Kim Russell, Jamie Major and Tom Bairstow completing the pack.
The backs see half backs Joey Barratt and Reece Dean team up again in what should be an effective partnership. The three quarters see highly experienced newcomers David Halaifonua and Bureta Faraimo make their first appearances for the club and add real ability to the side.
Captain and centre Ali Heard and the pacy Peter Hudson-Kowaleswicz on the wing and full back Harrison Astley complete the starting XV.
The bench sees Charlie Beech, Billy Addy and Latu Makaafi line up as forwards who can make a real impact whilst debutant Matiu Welch and Duell Trueman offering cover in the backs. Welch put in an encouraging display in the friendly game at Darlington last week.
Much is hoped for from a side with a good balance of experience and youth but with so many new faces in the side it may take a little while to get the whole team to gel.
Hull will hope to start the season with a victory and if the pack can achieve parity there is some fire power that should make the most of good possession.
Otley will be confident on their home ground so an intruiging contest is in prospect with both sides looking to make a good start to the new season
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 