Strong Squad Available for Season Opener

Hull RUFC will start their new season with a tough fixture against Otley at Chants Ave this Saturday.

Last season saw Hull win both fixtures. A 32-27 victory at Otley was a close result but a 37-36 scoreline in the corresponding fixture at the end of the seaon was a further indication of just how close the sides were in terms of organisation and ability. 

Hull ‘s coaching staff, Mike Umaga and Tony Penn have sought to strengthen the squad which performed well last season and new faces have joined the club. The return of winger Mike Adlard is a very welcome addition to Hull’s try scoring power.

The selectors have a number of difficult decisions to make as there is now increased competition for places and  the starting line up will not be finalised until closer to kickoff.

In the forwards, the stalwart front row of Jamie Major, Mike Jobling and Tom Bairstow is the likely starting line up with Curtis Taylor and Waverley Wrigglesworth vying for front row places on the bench.

A second row will come from newcomer and junior Scottish international Anthony McCormack partnering the highly experienced Liam Regardsoe with Bill Addy, as potentially, a high impact replacement. 

The back row will be without Paulos Latu and David Halaifonua who are both injured but the  newcomer Adam Brankley will be in the squad along with Alec Renouf, Evi Uriburu-Gray and Jack Baldry all of whom are backrow specialists.

The backs will the benefit of a Yorkshire midfield trio of Harrison Astley at off-half with centres Ali Heard and Peter Hudson-Kowalewicz.

The back three back positions sees Reece Dean, Duell Trueman, Keane Naylor, Mike Adlard and  Fynlay Hobson all in the mix. Whichever trio starts the game leaves two impact players on the bench.

The scrum half berth will go to the combative and highly experienced Harvey Harding.

Otley have strengthened their side as well and will be looking to kick start their season with an away win.  

If Hull can generate enough first-phase possession and shade things at the breakdown, they have enough pace to take advantage of playing at home and take the points.