i think we would do very well for a crowd of 7,500, i know it's a sunday game but i still can't see hull bringing over 2,000 fans, they haven't done for about 5 years and only 3 teams have brought over 2,000 fans in the last 2 years.
i suspect we will be looking at 6,500 but 7,500 would be a good effort.

One thing I definitely think needs pushing if we want a big crowd is the BRING A BUDDY! My opinion was that it is a complete waste of time, however this year I have made an active effort to ensure everyone in my family uses their voucher. As a result of this, an extra 3 people will be at the game, 2 of which have never been to an RL game before and just watch on TV! Our group is usually 5 people now it will be 8. If every 5 people brought an extra 3 it would completely change our fortunes in terms of crowds! I know its not easy getting people to come along but a bit of hard work will get you there, also if you can't use your BAB then I suggest going on facebook as people are asking for extras.

The buddy vouchers should really be pushed more I think if just half of them get used its an extra 1500-2000 on the crowd.

Yeah it's a massive difference! The fanzine put forward an adaptation to them which I though was a much better idea! It was part of an article of 5 ideas! 2 were used unfortunately it wasn't one of them!

I think this is going to be a good close game. Hull are an improved prospect on last year's starting 13 and will be tougher than many teams expect this year. As the Giants have not seen too many changes to personal, I think that continuity and experience playing together may just give them the advantage, especially if Brough is on form. Looking forward to coming over for this game.

Have Murphy at full back. I think Grix is a weak link at full back

Shirt, check.
shirt print, check.
ticket, check.
travel, check
sunday................................................................................................................................hurry up will you.

think murphy will get first shot as Grix has been in rehab pre season, was the other way round when murphy signed a few seasons ago. He needs to take the opportunity now

Not long now

weather forecast looks like its going to be a dry day, just chilly!

RADFORD ANNOUNCES 19-MAN SQUAD FOR SEASON OPENER

Hull FC head coach Lee Radford has named his preliminary squad ahead of the Black and Whites’ opening Super League encounter with Huddersfield Giants at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday.

As expected travelling supporters will be treated to their first competitive glimpse of new half back combination Marc Sneyd and Leon Pryce, whilst Mark Minichiello is the only other new signing to make the squad.

The Italian international will join captain Gareth Ellis, Hull-born Dean Hadley and the versatile Jordan Thompson as Lee Radford’s back row choices.

The Black and Whites boss has also left himself plenty of options for the prop forward positions, with Liam Watts, Josh Bowden, Chris Green, Mickey Paea and Feka Paleaaesina all receiving his approval, whilst England international Joe Westerman completes the pack from loose forward.

Last season’s Player of the Year Fetuli Talanoa also makes the 19-man squad, with Tom Lineham similarly holding down his place in the side on the wing.

Richard Whiting has completed his rehabilitation on an arm injury that has plagued his pre-season programme to take up his place in the side, whilst fellow Airlie Birds veteran Kirk Yeaman also makes the cut.

Setaimata Sa will hope to carry his impressive pre-season form into the start of the new campaign and makes the preliminary side, whilst young gun Jamie Shaul has fought off fierce competition during the off-season to retain his full back spot.

New signing Steve Michaels will have to wait a little longer for his Super League debut, despite gaining precious game time for Doncaster RL last weekend having made significant progress since undergoing knee surgery prior to Christmas.

Whilst the Australian’s fellow countryman Jordan Rankin will also be disappointed to have missed out on the clash in West Yorkshire, as he continues his recovery from a shoulder knock picked up in the trial game with York City Knights last month.

Hull FC 19-man squad: Bowden, Ellis, Green, Hadley, Houghton, Lineham, Minichiello, Paea, Paleaaesina, Pryce, Sa, Shaul, Sneyd, Talanoa, Thompson, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman

Really looking forward to Sunday. New season and what looks like a good game. I think it will be really close. The Giants will definitely start as favourites but Hull would certainly appear to have the match fitness edge - although that didn't stop us turning Wigan over last season.

Both sides look to have strengthened, both sides have something to prove after disappointing 2014's and both sides know the new format means you don't want to start slowly and be playing catch up in the League.

COYG!

We've not had the favourites tag for a first game in a while. The pressure is going to be huge.
I think this is going to be a game where our fans are going to have to really step up and drive us to a win. Like Widnes' fans last night.
A strong Hull following (I presume) and a strong Hull outfit is going to make this a hard task.

Some of the predictions on the other thread suggest some fans think this will be a straight forward win - don't see it myself but I hope they're right!

Connor should start. If he's the future he should get the game time now whilst we can risk it rather than later when we may not have the luxury. (Not that I think he's a risk)