Hard hit by injuries Hull travel on one of their longest journeys this weekend to take on Preston Grasshoppers who only just edged out Hull in the corresponding fixture earlier this season.
Preston have had a mixed season themselves .Their most recent form has seen them lose heavily to Hull Ionians but then draw away at Fylde. Their all weather pitch gives them something of a home advantage but Hull will travel knowing that they can come away with something if their new look side can gel from the kick off.
The pack sees Mike Jobling, Oliver Fretwell and Loma Kivalu start with a new look second row pairing of the versatile David Halaifonua and Alec Renouf behind them in the scrum with a back row of Harvey Harding, Paulos Latu and Josh Ratuvou completing the pack. The back see Reece Dean moving to full back where he has performed with distinction in the recent past with Joe Cummins going to off half .
The three quarters have centre Alex Heard and Tom Minns starting with wingers Jack Rrender and Jake Boardman completing the backs starting line up.
The bench has Jack Bergamans covering the front row with utility forward and Latu Maka’afi offering cover for the back five. Experienced backs Tom Lineham, Harry Pinder and Harry Gunn-McLean making up a full bench.
There is enough attacking potential in this Hull lineup to cause Preston problems but the ability of the new look pack to maintain a good flow of first phase ball may hold the key. Hull will need maximum concentration throughout the game to minimise any unforced errors or penalties that give the opposition a free ball.
It will be a tough afternoon but there is enough experience and talent in the side to end the afternoon leaving the Preston Grasshoppers in no doubt they have been in a game and for Hull to come away with points
Photo Credit: Dave Winn
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 