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

Anybody know who the seven are? Watts, Houghton, Manu and turner have all had knocks so I would imagin they would be in there

7 Doubtful doesn't sound good :/

I'm assuming, based upon those named in the squad:

Yeaman: Ankle
Turner: Strain that made him miss last match
Houghton: Calf
Watts: Knee
Pitts: Collarbone (Sky commentators last week said that he'd broken it)
Manu: Reportedly was ver doubtful last week.
Not sure on the 7th. Probably Crooks or Nicklas as both are just returning from injuries.

I agree. I was surprised when I saw their names there.

I don't expect that we'll see either play. I reckon Kent will get a call up as 18th man, or higher depending on how the others come through their tests.

houghton fit to play

Bloody hope so, He is a massive player for us.

Not seen the forum so quiet before a game for a long time, everyone expecting a defeat?

Not me I don't write anybody off.It will be hard game but I am expecting them to win

Yeamo just tweeted he's not playing

can't see a win.

Line-up:

5 Tom Briscoe
39 Tom Lineham
23 Ben Crooks
19 Jordan Turner
40 Jamie Foster
38 Ryan McGoldrick
7 Brett Seymour
37 Liam Watts
9 Danny Houghton
8 Mark O'Meley
11 Willie Manu
15 Richard Whiting
22 Martin Aspinwall

14 Aaron Heremaia
10 Andy Lynch (c)
34 Jay Pitts
27 Chris Green

5 on 1, Hull mess up a probable try.

Manu in under the posts

Blowing quite a few chances. Need to improve close to the Cats line.

Lineham scores apprentice shows master how to do it