Familiar Names Back In The Squad

Hull take on the famous old club of Fylde this weekend in what will be an intriguing contest at Chants Ave. Fylde sit fifth in the league having won 12, drawn one and lost 10 of their fixtures. Hull’s record is remarkably similar having won one less game than this weeks opponents. 

Fylde have had some excellent results including the defeat of third placed Sheffield on March 9^th only to lose quite heavily to Otley the week after. In January, Hull lost to Fylde 35-8 in a game where  Hull were not at their best but since then, Hull have developed into a side who can give their opponents plenty to think about. 

That was no more evident than in their game against Tynedale when they became only the third team to come away with a win from Tynedale’s home in Corbridge this season. Hull will have a number of players back to bolster that squad which will give the selectors a number of options.

Second row forward Billy Addy could be back after a lengthy lay off with injury. In the backs,  wingers Jamie Shaul and Keane Naylor will come back into the reckoning, scrum-half Jamie Naylor may be able to return to the squad. 

Winger/centre Charlie Rawlins has returned after a year away in Australia and may be able to be considered depending on all the other options available to Hull. Whoever form Hull’s starting line up there will be a strong bench to call upon which is just as well as Fylde are a side full of energy and have players who can make the most of their possession and who can make turnovers count.

That being said, Hull have plenty of ability themselves and have beaten Tynedale on their own ground whereas Fylde were well beaten there in a post Christmas fixture. Hull have developed try scoring ability from all parts on the team and the reliable goal kicking of full back Reece Dean has been a very valuable asset.

The historical form guide in this league is a very dubious record to place any faith in, as most sides can summon a good performance  to get a result against a team placed higher up in the league. 

Saturday’s teams looked well matched on paper, but if Hull can replicate the form showed in their last outing, they must be in with a very good chance of equaling Fylde’s total of victories on what will be our Ex Players’ Day.