Squad for Catalans

ONE CHANGE FOR FRENCH TEST BUT MORE DOUBTFUL

Hull FC head coach Peter Gentle has made only one change for Sunday’s visit of the Catalans Dragons but fears he could be missing a host of senior players for the match.

Young centre Ben Crooks, fresh from agreeing a new long-term deal with the club, returns after routine knee surgery to replace the suspended Joe Westerman in the only change to the squad named for Wigan, although Jordan Turner and Danny Houghton both missed out on that game.

The 19-year-old’s return helps ease the pressure on the Black and Whites’ growing injury list, but it could be a different story come Sunday morning with Gentle forced to wait for no less than seven fitness tests early on Saturday morning.

A number of players will undergo rigorous testing from the club’s medical staff to ascertain whether they’re fit enough to take part in tomorrow’s final team run and play in the match against the in-form Dragons.

Speaking to HULLFC.TV this week ahead of the game, Hull’s Australian coach said, “We’re definitely doing it tough at the minute and there is no real end in sight at present, but I can’t fault the spirit and commitment of the boys.

“We’re faced with fitness tests for seven players ahead of a final team run, but it’s a credit to all the players as they’re all putting their hands up and insisting they're fit enough to play which is great to see.

“Ben is one of those guys who has worked really hard to get back and help the team. He has given himself a chance of coming back ahead of schedule and we haven't ruled him out for this week."

Despite the injuries though, it’s the prospect of another exciting home tie at the KC Stadium that has been the talk of the training ground this week, with hopes the vocal Old Faithful can help spur the team on to victory.

Coach Gentle has admitted that one of the first things they spoke about in the changing rooms after last Friday’s game against the Warriors was the incredible support they received at the DW Stadium and he is hopeful similar backing this week can be rewarded with two points.

“Last week was incredible, it was the first thing the boys said when they came back in, they couldn’t believe it, “ said Gentle, who was pleased his side were recognised for their effort and work rate despite falling to a defeat.

“It’s a cliché, but it really does make a noticeable difference and if we ever needed that we need it now.

“We know we’re a few bodies down but to get that support and noise with the fans singing their songs throughout the game really does make up for it and we need that lift again.”

He continued, “If we can get that I know it will play a big part in the game and will go along way to helping us get the win. The fans have just been magnificent.”

Hull squad: Aspinwall, Briscoe, Crooks, Foster, Green, Heremaia, Houghton, Lineham, Lynch, Manu, McGoldrick, Nicklas, O’Meley, Pitts, Seymour, Turner, Watts, Whiting, Yeaman