After a summer spent rebuilding their squad and working under new coach David Ellis , Hull face newly promoted Rossendale in the first fixture on the National 2 Rugby Union season. All the hard work of pre season will be put to the test as Hull will look to make a positive start to their season.
Hull’s pack welcomes highly experienced props Loma Kivalu , who returns to Hull and Gareth Denman who has played premiership rugby and hooker Jack Bergmanas who has played regularly in Division 1.
The ever reliable Liam Regardsoe is partnered in the second row by the solid front five forward Mike Jobling. The backrow sees the powerful number eight Paulos Latu start with Renouf and Josh Omond as the other backrow players who will look to bring pace to the breakdowns.
The backs see newcomer , the pacy Harry Pinder at scrum half pairing with off half and goal kicker Reece Dean who makes a very welcome return
Wingers Josh Ratovou and Harry Dawkins will be working hard to get amongst the tries again this season with the back three being completed by the versatile Duell Trueman who takes up his favoured position at full back.Centres Alex Heard and David Halafoinua are strong in defence and capable of making the all important line breaks and complete a solid looking line up.
The subs bench will include front rowers Charlie Beech , Jack Iceman and Danny Ward with winger Brandon Norman and half back Gunn -Mclean covering the back positions although the final make up of the bench is subject to late fitness assessment.
In preseason Hull looked well organised but their opponents will be desperate to make a good start at the higher level so Hull will need to make sure that this new look side clicks into gear straight away. There is experience aplenty in this Hull side and some exciting newcomers on show but a full game focus will be needed to take the points and get off to a good start this season.
Richard Gore
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 