Hull FC v Huddersfield: Key duo return for Airlie Birds

Hull FC will welcome back a key forward duo for Sunday’s Super League clash against Huddersfield Giants at the MKM Stadium.

Hull coach Brett Hodgson has made three changes to his squad that won 31-8 at Leeds last week. Manu Ma’u will feature for the first time this season having recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season.

Meanwhile, Jordan Lane could return having missed out last week with a back injury.

Young hooker Denive Balmforth, who recently joined the club from Warrington, is named in the 21-man squad for the first time having impressed for Hull’s academy and reserves.

The trio replace Kane Evans, who serves the first of a two-match suspension, Jamie Shaul (calf) and Joe Cator, who suffered a season-ending injury last week.

On Cator, Hodgson said: “Unfortunately for Joe, it’s the worst case scenario. He’s re-ruptured the Achilles that he had the operation on last year.

“It’s terrible news for him and we’re all devastated for him. But we’ll get around him the best we can and support him through what will be a tough few months. He has a good network around him with his family too.

“He had his operation on Wednesday. We’re looking at a similar timescale to his previous injury, and he won’t play again this season. It’s a massive blow.”

The Airlie Birds remain without Darnell McIntosh, Carlos Tuimavave, Josh Reynolds, Cameron Scott and Scott Taylor through injury. Captain Luke Gale serves the fourth game of a five-match ban.

Emma Jones and Drew Darbyshire talk all things rugby league

Meanwhile, Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary will make his 350th career appearance.

Prop Nathan Mason comes into the squad for the first time in 2022. He returned to the Giants in the off-season from Leigh.

Hull FC: Connor, Swift, Griffin, Sao, Houghton, Satae, Savelio, Ma’u, Lane, Lovodua, Fash, McNamara, Brown, Johnstone, Bowden, Wynne, Vulikijapani, Burrell, Severs, Barron, Balmforth.

Huddersfield: Pryce, McGillvary, Leutele, Golding, Lolohea, Hill, Levi, Lawrence, McQueen, Yates, English, Greenwood, Trout, O’Brien, Wilson, Cudjoe, I Senior, Russell, Roberts, L Senior, Mason.

The round six Super League clash takes place at the MKM Stadium on Sunday, 3pm kick-off.

PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022