Hull will travel to Tynedale’s ground in Corbridge this weekend to take on a side that has recorded one more win than Hull so far this season and who have beaten Fylde, Hull Ionians and Otley in recent weeks, whilst losing a close encounter with third-placed Sheffield.
Tynedale also have bragging rights over Hull with a 34-10 victory at Hull before Christmas when Hull were reshaping their side and reorganising their lineout.
Since then, Hull have looked a much better side but will need all their powers of resilience and creativity they have shown recently to get the better of Tynedale.
Hull will have to wait and see if veteran second row/backrow forward Latu Makaafi will be fit to play. The rest of last week’s pack should be ready to go, but coaches Mike Umaga and Tony Penn will be giving a lot of thought to the forwards they have on the bench.
The backs will be without scrum-half James Naylor, but the competitive Harvey Harding will almost certainly take his place and start this week.
Centre Peter Hudson-Kowalewicz is now available having completed his international duties with Poland, so that he can join a back division that may hold the key to this game.
Unavailabilities and suspensions have meant Hull will have some rearranging to consider in their starting eight as they will seek to get the right blend in the back five.
Winning first phase ball is always the essential element in any game and this week will be no different.
Last week in a game against second-placed Rotherham, Hull showed they have the players and the skills to get over the gain line and score tries from deep.
If they can repeat that performance then they will give their hosts plenty to think about.
Tynedale are a good side with a good vociferous support, but Hull have the chance to disappoint the locals. However, they will need to be at their best to achieve the win.
Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 