He certainly has the ability and do wonder if the hype surrounding him when he burst on to the scene and then the number of injury issues has played a part in any attitude problem as in motivation to push himself?

Completely agree, if we can beat Salford, which is not easy by any means, we'll then be in a healthier mindset for the Wolves, Leigh and Saints fixtures, none of which we'll be expected to win, but, if we could possibly win two of those four, we'd be where I think we all expect this team to be, pushing for 8th place , which is realistically all we can really get from this squad. Salford's expansive style will be hard to combat, but they may now have their focus affected, adversely, by the financial crisis looming over them. Leigh are a good team, but beatable and haven't got the depth to cover injuries , so if they have any players out, I'd fancy us , with a fully fit team. I just hope we don't concede heavily against Warrington, or Saints, and compete for the full 80 minutes.

Agree with most of the above posts. It would certainly be a big plus if we could get Ashworth in this season if we are as rumoured looking to sign him as an addition and give us a bit more size.

Looking at the league I don't think any team has been totally convincing and St's look a way off where they left off last season. Do think Salfrod will be a tough game as Rowley has them well organised and they have some decent players too but hopefully off field issues and the Dupree situation may affect them a little.

We've done well the past 4 games and beat 2 desperate teams so hopefully the club can continue to improve and build in confidence.

As expected Taylor and Sao come back in and Carlos drops out.



Hull 21 man squad



1. Tex Hoy, 2. Adam Swift, 4. Liam Sutcliffe, 5. Darnell McIntosh, 6. Jake Trueman, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Ligi Sao, 9. Danny Houghton, 10. Chris Satae, 12. Jordan Lane, 13. Brad Fash, 14. Joe Lovodua, 15. Joe Cator, 17. Cam Scott, 19. Ben McNamara, 20. Jack Brown, 23. Josh Griffin, 26. Harvey Barron, 30. Scott Taylor, 31. Nick Staveley, 33. Brad Dwyer.

On the expectations thing. I still see this as a transitional year with Smith trying to establish the culture and the systems that will serve us well going forward. Next year he will add some pieces to the jigsaw and hopefully we will be in a better place to challenge.



That said. This squad isn't without ability. We have plenty of good players right across the team. If we can continue to show the recent spirit and togetherness on a regular basis and enjoy ourselves with ball in hand then we will be hard to beat against any team. If we can just get in the playoffs then you never know.



Put it this way, for all the crowing of that lot across the river, and all the disappointment we have felt, I don't expect there to be too much between us by the time the season is wrapped up.

Two big returns for Salford in Lafai and Sio, it's going to be a tough test, but a good opportunity to show how much improvement we have really made since the embarrassment they put on us back in March.

Indeed and its a very strong looking 17 they'll have on Sunday, hopefully both Lafai and Sio will be a little rusty.

Its not just organisation Chris its speed combined with ball movement.

we seem to struggle with any team that has real pace in the ranks so we have to hope our new confidence,defence resilience and on field discipline continues

FFS, can you lot please stop reading the Hull Daily Fail?!





There's no crisis, yes we don't have much cash but that's a constant at the club. It's not like we're about to go bust.





If you're pinning your hopes on us being distracted by impending doom then you may as well not bother turning up on Sunday.

Hull to win this encounter by a comfortable margin.

Looking at Salfords squad, I think they will be strong for us, particularly in the backs, only missing really Shane Wright, I hope I'm wrong though, be disappointed if we don't give them a really tough game. Just hope they don't click, if they do they isn't a better attacking team in SL.

noticed that our reserves are playing on salfords ground before the main match.nice if you can.we are still in the dark ages playing reserve games a few miles away from where we should be playing.ludicrous

Pretty sure the reserve match is today.

Reserves play today, it would be silly to play reserves at MKM, from a cost perspective for one, have you been to watch the reserves at Hull Uni? I really enjoy it, really close to the action, nice set up which will only improve with the planned developments, much rather watch the academy and reserves there than at the MKM.

we are getting shafted continually at the mkm.its a community stadium,not just for city.you only have to enter the stadium to see city garbage plastered over everywhere.as for the farcial 2 month break every summer,that needs to stop.if they want to mess about the pitch ,do it late september when we have played our last home match.if it puts city out.TOUGH.pearson and the rl need to start putting pressure on the grubs.

You go on about this constantly but most people are not that bothered.



We've got two home games in June, two in July and two in August.



As for the reserves, I'm OK with them not playing at the MKM. Surely it gives the players more of a motivation to aim for the first team and therefore play there.

we are getting shafted.end of.

Typing 'end of' doesn't make your point any more valid.

What pressure could they bring to bear?

AP has already said the relationship with the SMC is far more positive now.

Anyway, I’ve enjoyed the academy and reserve games at the university. Nice easy going atmosphere with other games often going on.

Will no doubt be even better when the new facility is there.

To be honest I don’t see the issue with the reserves playing their games somewhere else and not at the MKM. It’s good the reserves have their own identity and play at a venue that suits the needs. Think the costs to play reserve games at the MKM make it an unviable option for the club regardless, even top premier league clubs reserves play at different venues, Man Utd at Leigh sports village, Liverpool at Prenton Park etc.



Prior to the Allams all was good at the then KC during their tenure at the SMC things were awful for everyone not just Hulll FC post the Allams things are again getting back to a good workable relationship.

Warrington play reserve fixtures at Victoria Park, Wigan reserves play at Robin Park, Huddersfield reserves play at Huddersfield YMCA RU and Leeds Rhinos play most reserve team fixtures at Stanningley.



These are all down to bloody Hull City and the SMC.

Exactly.

The lads should be going into this full of confidence after recent wins.

To be honest though I'm just not feeling it today. Just a gut feeling. Hopefully will be proved wrong and will very happy to be proved wrong!

I feel like if the winning margin is less than 10 we win, more than 10 they win. I think we’ll be win if we can grind the game out. If it’s free flowing they’ll hurt us around the ruck. DH & Cator are going to be our game breakers as they’ll tidy up a lot of ugly work in D