Hull FC v Rhinos: Teams
Leeds Rhinos will be chasing an 11th consecutive win against Hull FC when the two teams go head-to-head at the KC Stadium.
Last Updated: 04/05/12 4:35pm
Leeds Rhinos will be chasing an 11th consecutive win against Hull FC when the two teams go head-to-head at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
The Rhinos have improved of late with four consecutive wins in all competitions while the Black and Whites have lost two in a row in Stobart Super League action.
However, Peter Gentle's side are still above their Yorkshire rivals in the standings with both teams having played 11 league games so far.
Hull could give an immediate debut to loan signing Matthew Russell at full-back in the wake of Australian Wade McKinnon's decision to leave.
Long-serving Richard Horne is expected to fill the void in the long term, but his groin injury means Russell - who has arrived from Wigan Warriors - is likely to be thrown straight in at the deep end.
Return
Centre Kirk Yeaman is hoping to make his return to action after a month on the sidelines with a broken cheekbone.
The England international is expected to play after being named in the 19-man squad for the KC clash and will make his return alongside the likes of Jordan Turner, Mark O'Meley, Eamon O'Carroll and Martin Aspinwall.
Leeds coach Brian McDermott has Jamie Jones-Buchanan back following a knee injury, although the game comes too soon for the likes of Rob Burrow, Kallum Watkins and Weller Hauraki.
McDermott is pleased the club's treatment room is emptying out ahead of the trip east on the M62, commenting: "We are pleased to have Jamie Jones-Buchanan back available this week and we have certainly missed him whilst he has been out.
"Rob Burrow and Kallum Watkins are not far away, both could be in contention next week, and Weller Hauraki will make his comeback in the Under 20s against Hull FC this weekend."
Hull FC: Aspinwall, T. Briscoe, Crooks, Ellis, Houghton, Kent, Lyne, Manu, Moa, O'Carroll, O'Meley, Pitts, Russell, Sharp, Seymour, Tickle, Turner, Whiting, Yeaman.
Leeds: Webb, Jones-Bishop, Hardaker, Hall, McGuire, Leuluai, McShane, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sinfield, L. Smith, Delaney, Bailey, Kirke, Clarkson, Griffin, Moore, Lunt.