Head coach Peter Gentle has recalled veteran centre Tony Martin to his squad for Saturday’s derby with arch rivals Hull KR in the only change to the side which beat London last weekend.

Martin has been sidelined for the past month with a neck injury but is fit to take his place in the Hull squad at the expense of Richard Whiting, who has been suspended for the Hull derby at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium following a dangerous tackle in the 14-12 victory over the Broncos.

He now looks settle to battle it out with Ben Crooks and Jordan Turner for one of the two centre spots in Gentle’s side after the duo retained their places in the squad.

Richard Horne and Joe Westerman are also named after coming through their return to action last weekend unscathed, while youngsters Liam Kent and Danny Nicklas will continue to push hard for a place in the team after impressing for the under-20s last time out.

Hull FC squad: Aspinwall, Briscoe, Crooks, Horne, Houghton, Kent, Lynch, Manu, Martin, Moa, Nicklas, O’Carroll, Pitts, Russell, Sharp, Seymour, Tickle, Turner, Westerman



Rovers Squad.
Clinton,Dobson,Galea,Green,Hall,D.Hodgson,J.Hodgson,Horne,Latus,Lovegrove,McDonnell,Mika,Murrell,O'Hara,Paea,Taylor,Watts,Welham,Withers

Horne in Salter Out

www.hullfc.com/article/21384/gen ... erby-clash martin fow whiting

www.hullfc.com/article/21384/gen ... erby-clash martin fow whiting

Russell
Sharp
Turner
Martin
Briscoe
Horne
Seymour
Lynch
Houghton
Moa
Manu
Tickle
Westerman

Aspinwall
O'Carroll
Pitts
Kent/Crooks (depends if we want to have a back on the bench incase of any injuries, as Whiting is banned and can't cover, or if we want to go with 4 forwards)

Nicklas and Crooks to miss out provided Manu and Martin are fit.

The placing of our centres is something worth considering. Do we play Turner on the right so that his attacking threat will exploit Welham's defensive frailties, although his defence isn't as good as Martin's, or do we play Martin on the right as his superior defence should counteract Welham, Rover's strongest centre.

I'm thinking Turner on the right and Martin on the left, as we've conceded quite a few tries down the left and he should shore that up, as well as giving decent service to Briscoe.

Martin is poor in defence. Turner dealt with Welham no problem in the KC derby.

Looks like I'm the only one who would play Crooks in front of Martin.

Crooks has showed more in two games that Martin has all season.

Martin wouldn't have scored those two trys in the last 2 games that Crooks did, in fact can't remember Martin scoring a try this year or creating one (although I sure he must have).

Martin is better defensively at the moment, but playing him would be the safe option IMO, I hope Gentle agrees.

Quote Dave K.="Dave K."Looks like I'm the only one who would play Crooks in front of Martin. Crooks has showed more in two games that Martin has all season. Martin wouldn't have scored those two trys in the last 2 games that Crooks did, in fact can't remember Martin scoring a try this year or creating one (although I sure he must have). Martin is better defensively at the moment, but playing him would be the safe option IMO, I hope Gentle agrees.'" I agree, I'd leave Crooks in, but would still bring Yeamo back when he's fit again. superleague.co.uk/player/303 0 tries, 2 clean breaks and 2 try assists, compared to 2 tries, 3 clean breaks and 1 try assist for Ben Crooks.

Quote Dave K.="Dave K."Looks like I'm the only one who would play Crooks in front of Martin. Crooks has showed more in two games that Martin has all season. Martin wouldn't have scored those two trys in the last 2 games that Crooks did, in fact can't remember Martin scoring a try this year or creating one (although I sure he must have). Martin is better defensively at the moment, but playing him would be the safe option IMO, I hope Gentle agrees.'" I agree, I'd leave Crooks in, but would still bring Yeamo back when he's fit again. superleague.co.uk/player/303 0 tries, 2 clean breaks and 2 try assists, compared to 2 tries, 3 clean breaks and 1 try assist for Ben Crooks.

I'd go with the same, possibly swapping Westerman and Pitts.

Tough choice with Crooks, but I'd go with experience on Saturday in front of a big(ish) crowd.

God I hope they play Hall at right centre.

I would consider playing Ben Crooks & Jordan Turner. If the weather stays as it is @ present then it is going to be very hot in the ground & I believe that these two will last the game better.
I also consider that these two have the pace to give Rovers some problems. Just my opinion.

I agree with you Crooks the man in the shirt on form IMO.