SL Preview: Leeds v Hull (Thu)

Leeds play their first game at Headingley this season as they welcome Challenge Cup winners Hull.

With work continuing on the development of their ground, the Rhinos played their first home Super League game against Hull KR at Elland Road, while they will also play Castleford there later this month.

The Rhinos confirmed earlier on Thursday that the game would definitely go ahead, despite the overnight snow in Yorkshire.

The new look south stand and the temporary north stand will be used for the first time.

Young full back Jack Walker returns to the 19-man squad, having been injured in the World Club Challenge defeat to Melbourne Storm.

But coach Brian McDermott has said that Ashton Golding will play at full back, having featured there in the recent defeat at Widnes, his only appearance this season to date.

Hull are weakened by a mini-injury crisis that sees key men Danny Houghton and Albert Kelly sidelined, along with new signings Mickey Paea and Bureta Faraimo and Josh Bowden.

Liam Watts starts the three-match ban handed down to him by the RFL disciplinary committee for his headbutt on Dom Crosby in last week’s win over Warrington.

A total of eight players named in the two England performance squads on Wednesday are named in the respective 19-man squads.

Stats:

Leeds have won their last thirteen home meetings with Hull FC.
Hull’s last win at Headingley was 17-6 on 7 September, 2007.

Last ten meetings:

Leeds 18, Hull FC 16 (SLSF, 29/9/17)
Leeds 38, Hull FC 26 (SLS8-R4, 31/8/17)
Hull FC 43, Leeds 24 (CCSF, 29/7/17) (at Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster)
Leeds 10, Hull FC 7 (SLR22, 14/7/17)
Hull FC 24, Leeds 52 (SLR9, 14/4/17)
Hull FC 15, Leeds 20 (SLR21, 8/7/16)
Leeds 20, Hull FC 18 (SLR11, 15/4/16)
Hull FC 22, Leeds 36 (SLS8-R3, 21/8/15)
Hull FC 6, Leeds 24 (CCQF, 26/6/15)
Leeds 32, Hull FC 20 (SLR19, 21/6/15)

Super League summary

Leeds won 37 (includes wins in 2002, 2011 and 2017 play-offs)
Hull FC won 11
1 draw
Leeds highest score: 52-10 (H, 2002); 52-24 (A, 2017) (Widest margin: 52-10, H, 2002)
Hull FC highest score: 38-6 (H, 2002) (also widest margin)

Leeds 19-man squad: Golding, Briscoe, Watkins, Hall, Moon, Myler, Parcell, Singleton, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Delaney, Mullally, Garbutt, Handley, Ormondroyd, Walker, Oledzki, Walters.

Hull 19-man squad: Shaul, Logan, Griffin, Tuimavave, Talanoa, Connor, Sneyd, Taylor, Washbrook, Fash, Manu, Minichiello, Hadley, Abdull, Green, Turgut, Matongo, Lane, Downs.