Hull FC v Hull KR: First Utility Super League preview
Last Updated: 29/05/15 6:58pm
Hull FC and Hull KR will their rivalry at St James’ Park in Newcastle on Saturday with both sides hoping to make it a Magic Weekend to remember.
Hull FC have been in good form of late and had racked up three consecutive wins before a 17-10 home defeat to St Helens last weekend.
Their city rivals have also found a decent run of form having responded well to their 60-0 thrashing at the hands of Wigan, beating Wakefield before gaining revenge on the Warriors by knocking them out of the Challenge Cup.
The Robins did lose to Leeds in their last match, however, and will be looking to move ahead of Saturday’s opponents with a win to boost their top-eight chances.
Joe Westerman and Tom Lineham return for Lee Radford’s men, while Jamie Shaul is also pushing for a place in the starting line-up. A hip injury rules out Curtis Naughton and Steve Michaels is the other man to make way.
Rovers make three changes to their squad with new loan signing Tony Puletua joined by Albert Kelly and Liam Salter in the 19. Kelly and Salter will be given the chance to prove their fitness having been out with hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.
The Robins have won five of their six clashes on the road with Hull FC and also beat them at the KC Stadium at Easter but coach Chris Chester says the Black and Whites are a much-improved outfit since their last meeting.
"We've won more than we've lost but it's who performs on the day," Chester said.
"We're facing a different side to the one we faced six or seven weeks ago. They're playing with a little bit more confidence and I think they've won six of their last eight games.
"So they are certainly the form team going into Saturday afternoon."
Hull FC squad: Jordan Abdull, Gareth Ellis, Chris Green, Danny Houghton, Tom Lineham, Mark Minichiello, Mickey Paea, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Leon Pryce, Jordan Rankin, Setaimata Sa, Jamie Shaul, Marc Sneyd, Fetuli Talanoa, Jordan Thompson, Liam Watts, Joe Westerman, Richard Whiting, Kirk Yeaman.
Hull KR squad: Maurice Blair, John Boudebza, Terry Campese, Ben Cockayne, Jordan Cox, Kieran Dixon, James Donaldson, Sonny Esslemont, James Green, James Greenwood, Albert Kelly, Kevin Larroyer, Tyrone McCarthy, Josh Mantellato, Aaron Ollett, Tony Puletua, Liam Salter, Ken Sio, Kris Welham.
Watch Hull FC v Hull KR live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 4.30pm on Saturday.