Hull FC v Tigers: Teams
Hull will once again be without Sean Long when they welcome injury-hit Castleford to the KC Stadium on Friday.
Last Updated: 04/03/10 2:29pm
Hull will once again be without skipper Sean Long when they welcome injury-hit Castleford to the KC Stadium on Friday night.
Scrum-half Long is still struggling with a hamstring problem and has not been included in coach Richard Agar's 19-man squad.
New recruit Jordan Turner and Richard Horne were partnered together in the half-back roles for last week's home win over Harlequins.
However Agar could opt to use Jordan Tansey at scrum-half. The former Leeds Rhino has been recalled to the first team after serving a one-match ban for a breach of club discipline.
The Airlie Birds bounced back from their shock loss away at Crusaders with a 28-4 result against Quins in front of their own supporters.
Dixon comeback
Castleford will hope the return of Kirk Dixon can give them a much-needed boost as they bid to end a three-match losing run.
The utility back, who can play either at centre or on the wing, is set to make his first appearance in 2010 after recovering from a blood clot in his leg.
Second-rower Ryan Clayton could also make his comeback at Hull - provided he passes a head injury fitness test.
If cleared to play, Clayton will take the place of fellow forward Brett Ferres, who has become the latest long-term casualty for the Tigers.
The former Wakefield player has had shoulder surgery and will be out for up to three months. He joins Dean Widders (knee) and Richard Owen (broken leg) on the sidelines.
The Tigers were toppled by Hull KR last time out, going down 24-20 at the Jungle despite a hat-trick from debutant Sean Ainscough, who has joined on a month-long loan from Wigan.
Coach Terry Matterson has not seen his side win since they opened their campaign with a stunning away triumph at Leeds on February 5.
Hull FC squad: Berrigan, T. Briscoe, Calderwood, Cusack, Dowes, Fitzgibbon, Hall, Horne, Houghton, Lauaki, Manu, O'Meley, Radford, Tansey, Tickle, Turner, Washbrook, Whiting, Yeaman
Castleford squad: Dixon, Shenton, Evans, Wainwright, Chase, Sherwin, Sargent, Hudson, Huby, Snitch, Westerman, Jones, Higgins, Jackson, Clayton, Massey, Davies, McGoldrick, Ainscough