Hull FC vs Leeds Rhinos Predictions: Two picks for Saturday’s showdown
Struggling Hull host indifferent Leeds in a match-up that both sides really need to win to set up a more positive second half to their seasons (kick-off 15:00).
For the Rhinos the game marks an emotional return to action for the first time since the death of one of their most cherished players Rob Burrow CBE, who died from Motor Neurone Disease last weekend. Read on below for my Hull FC vs Leeds Rhinos preview.
Team News
Leeds welcome back two big names for the trip to Hull. Injury-ravaged winger David Fusitu’a is named in a squad for just the second time all season and will be desperate to get a game under his belt. Fusitu’a missed the first eight games with a knee injury and suffered a fresh injury on his comeback game against Huddersfield in April.
Prop Tom Holroyd is also back in the mix after a two-month absence with concussion issues following a head collision in the game against Warrington at the start of April.
Hooker Andy Ackers is left out of the squad, while youngster Luis Roberts is also not included.
Interim Hull FC boss Simon Grix makes two changes for the club’s first home fixture in almost two matches.
Carlos Tuimavave and Denive Balmforth are added to the squad, with Matty Laidlaw and Harvey Barron the men to drop out.
Kiwi centre Tuimavave has missed three months with a hamstring injury but has finally been declared fit, while 20-year old hooker Balmforth has been on loan at Swinton.
The home side are 9/4 - or a 30.8% chance - to claim the victory, while Leeds are are priced up at 4/11 for the win.
Leeds Rhinos -8 @ 21/20
Leeds have had a lot to deal with since their last match a fortnight ago and the players will be desperate to return to the pitch with a healthy win in memory of Rob Burrow.
The death of the club’s legendary number seven has hit the Headingley outfit hard, with a big tribute planned for next weekend’s home fixture against Leigh.
There has also been boardroom upheaval with a new man coming in to steady the ship.
Ian Blease has arrived from Salford to take a new role as Sporting Director, and although coach Rohan Smith has been consistently backed, the links to Red Devils coach Paul Rowley are unlikely to go away.
Smith should oversee a win in this one, with Hull having lost 11 on the spin and been on the wrong end of the result on each of the last four meetings between these sides at the MKM Stadium.
I’m pretty confident of an away win here, but am going to err on the side of caution and go with the 8-point handicap for Leeds to overcome.
Harry Newman anytime tryscorer @ 5/4
Ash Handley is Leeds’ go-to man on the left wing and other than talisman Handley there has been no real rhyme or reason to the Rhinos flow of points this season.
Handley only needs four points to hit 500 for the club so that would be the romantic – and pretty likely bet here, although the odds are not particularly generous.
Harry Newman – when fit – is the other attacking threat I turn to when Leeds are playing, and he represents much better value than Handley to breach a vulnerable Hull defence in this one.
You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.
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