Page 23 - Rugby League World (February 2020)

PREVIEW

HULL FC

RLW PREDICTS: 6th

After a few disappointing years, Hull FC exactly what’s needed to reignite his career.
have made some eyebrow-raising signings. Also joining Hull for 2020 are Championship
Tevita Satae joined the club at the back duo Joe Cator and Jordan Johnstone. Both
end of 2019 and he’s been joined by Ligi have had limited Super League experience
Sao from New Zealand Warriors. up to this point but with age firmly on their
Satae was impressive in his performances side, they are sure to play a part in time.
for the Airlie Birds last season, he added Danny Houghton’s injury could mean that
plenty of size to their pack. Meanwhile, one of them will be filling in at hooker in the
Sao is a mobile forward that has great early stages of the season.
handling skills. But the key to any success for Hull will
Manu Ma’u and Josh Jones are the most most likely fall on Jake Connor. He’s
impressive signings though. Jones was in probably the most naturally gifted member
brilliant form last season for Salford Red of their squad and on his day, is as good as
Devils earning himself a place in the Dream anyone in the league. But we all know that
Team and Manu Ma’u’s form was imperious he can get frustrated, allow his emotions
for Parramatta Eels. Between them, they to take hold and then he becomes next to
will make Hull FC formidable on the edges. useless, especially if he’s been sin binned
Hull fans will also be loving the return of for dissent.
Mahe Fonua. The winger was a key part in Connor has been handed the standoff
their Challenge Cup winning sides and has starting shirt. It’s good to get your best
returned to East Yorkshire from Wests players touching the ball as much as
Tigers. He’s a winger that packs a punch possible and he’ll certainly do that playing
and knows where the try line is. in the halves.
Fonua will be joined on the wing by Adam His partnership with Marc Sneyd and Albert 2020 SQUAD:
Swift who should prove to be a good pick Kelly could be the difference for Hull. 1 Jamie Shaul
up for the Black and Whites after his time Sika Manu, Mark Minichiello, Mickey Paea,
at St Helens came to an end. Chris Green, Jack Logan, Levy Nzoungou, 2 Bureta Faraimo
Swift has had a tough time in the last few Danny Washbrook and Joe Westerman 3 Carlos Tuimavave
years with injuries and the emergence of have all left the club but Hull have more 4 Josh Griffin
Regan Grace left him struggling to regain than made up for those losses with their 5 Adam Swift
his spot but a move across the Pennines is signings this year. 6 Jake Connor
7 Marc Sneyd
STAR PLAYER COACH 8 Scott Taylor

9 Danny Houghton
10 Tevita Satae
11 Josh Jones
12 Manu Ma’u
13 Ligi Sao
14 Albert Kelly
15 Joe Cator
16 Jordan Johnstone
17 Matty Dawson-Jones
19 Masi Matongo
20 Brad Fash
Hull FC have made a good many signings Lee Radford has enjoyed great success 21 Jordan Lane
for the upcoming season but none as in his time with Hull FC but only really in 22 Josh Bowden
impressive as Manu Ma’u. the Challenge Cup. Hull FC won the Cup in 23 Andre Savelio
The second row forward was in career-best back-to-back years, their first triumph at 24 Mahe Fonua
form for Parramatta Eels last season as Wembley, under their current boss but in
they finished fifth in the NRL table. Super League, Hull have continually come 25 Connor Wynne
Ma’u goes by the nickname of the Tongan up short despite signing some big name 26 Kieran Buchanan
Terminator after a collision with new Giants players along the way. 27 Liam Harris
signing James Gavet resulted in him After growing up supporting Hull KR, 28 Lewis Bienek
having some metal plates inserted in his Radford now has black and white running 29 Gareth Ellis
face. Not to mention his habit of dishing through his veins after playing for the club 30 Jack Brown
out punishment in the tackle as well! for seven seasons and has now been at 31 Cameron Scott
Ma’u, alongside fellow signing Josh Jones, the helm at the KCOM for six years. 33 Ratu Naulago
look to be one of the most formidable Radford’s next job is to help his side earn a
back row combinations in the competition. spot in the playoffs.

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