I'm a big fan of Heremaia, but his form has been noticeably down this year. That said I'd be shocked if he's not out through injury, puts a lot on Houghton's shoulders. Horne can fill a hole if he needs a breather, but he isn't a hooker.

Heremaia dropped to make room for his mate Horne.
Ridiculous decision has to be an injury.

Thats why I think Horne will start with Rankin on the bench

Could those who clearly know about these things please provide me with a list of those who are Radford's mates and those who aren't. Just for future reference. Thanks in anticipation.

If you're from Hull you're Radford's mate, if not then he doesn't like you & will look for a reason to drop you.

I get the feeling he's pretty close to Crooks & Pitts.

And he clearly doesn't like Yeaman & Tuson as evidenced by when players don't perform are instantly put on the naughty step.

Apparently Horne is a very likeable bloke so he probably get's on with Radford.

Expecting Houghton to give a full 80 against Rovers is a big ask. He'll inevitably tire and most of our close losses this season have been lost in the last quarter. Heremaia must be injured. Who if anyone, is Radford intending to spell Danny with?

Everyone's an armchair coach !!!!

How did Hadley get on at hooker in the fev friendly? Could he spell Houghton for 15-20 mins?

Wouldn't be good enough in SL..Shaul was a hooker he could play there..he's very quick out of dummy half.

I don't but all this, your from Hull you play, why would he drop Shaul early in the season.

Anyway bold move to drop/rest Heremia, if he needed a rest surley it would be against London, I would have also left him in the squad, as Rovers would have had there game plan to play against two hookers, now all the attention, will be on tiring Houghton out.

Massive game this, haven't won two on the trot all season and not won a game away, time to start our season. On paper we look too strong for them, but need to turn up or they will beat us.

Bloody awful

Radford isn't going to declare his hand until 60 minutes before kick off.

Shaul and Talanoa were doubts after the Huddersfield game, so let's wait and see.

Keep Rovers guessing, and hopefully we'll put out a near full strength team.

shaul wasn't dropped against widnes he was ill

Not sure, was subbed the week before, so thought he was dropped, although Crooks didn't live in Hull, he came through the academy and his dad is a big a hull fan as any of us, he been dropped a few times.

Think Radford is picking the team he thinks best to win the game, even though at times he had got it wrong.