Wakefield v Hull: Jake Connor could make shock return in round one

Hull full-back Jake Connor could make a stunning return from a broken hand in their opening Super League match at Wakefield on Sunday.

England international Connor suffered a broken hand in a pre-season friendly against Leeds two weeks ago. However, he has been named in Brett Hodgson’s squad to face Wakefield at Belle Vue this weekend.

Hull’s new recruits Darnell McIntosh, Luke Gale and Joe Lovodua are all in line to make their debuts for the club.

Josh Griffin and Josh Reynolds, who both suffered season-ending injuries in 2021, are back to full fitness. They are expected to play.

The Airlie Birds will be without Manu Ma’u (hamstring), Joe Cator (achilles), Josh Bowden (quad), Mitieli Vulikijapani (hamstring), Scott Taylor (foot) and Kane Evans (suspension).

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As for Wakefield, five players could make their debuts for the club. Winger Tom Lineham, hooker Liam Hood and half-back Lee Gaskell are all expected to play.

Trinity coach Willie Poching could also hand debuts to centre duo Corey Hall and Thomas Minns. The pair arrived in the off-season from Leeds and Newcastle Thunder respectively.

Wakefield: Jowitt, Johnstone, Lyne, Lineham, Miller, Lino, Battye, Hood, Arona, Ashurst, Tanginoa, Pitts, Crowther, Batchelor, Gaskell, Kay, Walker, Aydin, Hall, Minns, Fifita.

Hull: Connor, Swift, Tuimavave, Griffin, McIntosh, Reynolds, Gale, Sao, Houghton, Satae, Savelio, Lane, Lovodua, Fash, McNamara, Brown, Johnstone, Wynne, Scott, Burrell, Shaul.

The round one Super League between Wakefield and Hull takes place at Belle Vue on Sunday, 3pm. It is the final game of the opening week.

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