Hull take on Sheffield RUFC this weekend who are one of three teams with a 100% record so far this season. Leeds and Lymm can proudly claim the same success rate. Sheffield have beaten Fylde, Sheffield Tigers, Harrogate, Tynedale and Otley in a very impressive start to their season.
Hull started a little slowly, but two good victories against Billingham and Wharfedale have not only been most welcome, but have indicated the side’s potential despite the relative youth of the side.
The regular front row of Tom Bairstow, Mike Jobling and Jamie Major have worked tirelessly and second rower Liam Regardsoe has been in great form making hard yards that are so vital. All four should start this week with the reliable Bill Addy or the talented youngster Ant McCormack looking to partner Regardsoe in the second row.
It seems that Paulos Latu, a powerhouse number eight, is unavailable because of a knee injury so the back row will be chosen from Evi Uriburu-Gray, Will Hall, Adam Brankley and David Halaifonua.
Brankley was outstanding last week with Will Hall playing a full part from the subs bench and Uriburu-Gray working tirelessly to ensure the victory. Halafoinua has not yet played this season but if passed fit, can add powerful running and good defence to the squad.
The backs will be without goal kicking full back Reece Dean but captain Ali Heard is available to return to his centre spot alongside Bureta Faraimo with Duell Trueman, Harry Dawkins, Peter Hudson-Kowalewicz, Keane Naylor and Fynlay Hobson vying for the back three starting positions.
The bench will of course depend on who gets the vote to start but the ever reliable and effective prop Charlie Beech will almost certainly be taking up one of the five places.
This will be tough test for Hull, but if they establish the same rhythm and commitment as last week, they will be a handful for high-flying Sheffield.
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 