Hull FC v Harlequins: Teams
Great Britain winger Gareth Raynor is set to make his first appearance of the season for Hull FC.
Last Updated: 15/02/08 3:29pm
Great Britain winger Gareth Raynor is set to make his first appearance of the season for Hull FC.
The former Leeds Rhino, who made such a big impression in the series against New Zealand at the end of last year, has returned from a hamstring injury to boost the injury-hit Airlie Birds.
Coach Peter Sharp is still without skipper Lee Radford (arm), Matt Sing (foot), Richard Horne (foot), Kirk Yeaman (elbow), Adam Dykes (calf) and Richard Whiting (arm) though and prop Gareth Carvell (knee) has now joined that lengthy list of absentees.
The Airlie Birds put in a sterling display, considering all the injuries, in their opening round defeat to the Warrington Wolves at the weekend and they beat Harlequins in this corresponding fixture last season.
Significance
Sharp knows his side must step up and perform again though if they are to take the two points on offer at the KC Stadium.
"We'll assess Gareth over the next couple of days but he has every chance," said Sharp. "Having him back will be a massive bonus for us.
"But I am sure the Quins will be smarting after their loss last week and I am also sure they will fancy their chances of winning on Sunday against a depleted side.
"We will need to be at our best, roll our sleeves up and scrap out a win. It is important we get off the mark, especially as we are at home."
Additions
Quins put up a brave fight, but went down 47-28 at home to the Wigan Warriors in their Super League opener meanwhile.
As they prepare for their longest away day in England, coach Brian McDermott has added forwards Daniel Heckenberg, Joe Walsh and Dwayne Barker to his travelling party.
The Londoners edged to a hard fought 30-28 victory at the Twickenham Stoop last time the teams met and McDermott has been reminding his players all week about the possibility of a repeat performance.
Hull FC 20-man squad: Berrigan, Byrne, Briscoe, Burnett, Cusack, Dale, Dowes, Hall, G. Horne, Houghton, King, Lee, Manu, Raynor, Thackeray, Tickle, Tony, Washbrook, Wheeldon, Williams.
Harlequins 20-man squad: Barker, Gafa, Grayshon, Haggerty, Heckenberg, Hill, Howell, Mbu, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, McLinden, Orr, Paul, Purdham, Randall, Rinaldi, Sheriffe, Temata, Walsh, Ward, Wells.