The Background
With both teams secure in the top eight ahead of the Super 8s, Hull and Wigan will both look to build momentum ahead of the second part of the season. The Black and Whites will be looking to back up last week’s win against Hull KR, whilst Wigan know only a win gives them a slim chance of overhauling Leeds at the top of the table before the Super 8s.
The Team News
Hull will be without both Gareth Ellis and Leon Pryce – with Ellis already confirmed as being out for the season due to a snapped Achilles. The Black and Whites are sweating on a shoulder injury suffered by Pryce during the derby victory last week too, and he will definitely not feature here. With Pryce out, Hull could turn to Jordan Rankin at half-back, with Jamie Shaul coming back in at fullback. As for Wigan, they have recalled Matty Bowen to their 19-man squad, whilst Dan Sarginson is left out.
The Stats
Wigan have won their last five away meetings with Hull FC. The Black & Whites’ last home win against the Warriors was 18-10 on 13 February, 2009. Hull FC’s Fetuli Talanoa has scored a try in all three of his previous games against Wigan.
Last 5 meetings:
Wigan 13, Hull FC 12 (SLR5, 13/3/15)
Wigan 56, Hull FC 10 (SLR21, 18/7/14)
Hull FC 16, Wigan 44 (SLR12, 9/5/14)
Wigan 33, Hull FC 34 (SLR26, 30/8/13)
Hull FC 0, Wigan 16 (Challenge Cup Final, 24/8/13) (at Wembley Stadium)
Super League summary
Hull FC won 8
Wigan won 32 (includes wins in 2001 and 2007 play-offs)
2 draws
Hull FC highest score: 54-12 (H, 2006) (also widest margin)
Wigan highest score: 66-6 (H, 2008) (also widest margin)
Kirk Yeaman needs one try to draw level with Ade Gardner in eighth place in the list of all-time leading try-scorers:
1 Danny McGuire (Leeds, 2001-present) 225
2 = Keith Senior (Leeds/Sheffield, 1996-2011) 199
2 = Paul Wellens (St Helens, 1998-2015) 199
4 Leon Pryce (Hull FC/Catalans Dragons/St Helens/Bradford, 1998-present) 171
5 David Hodgson (Hull KR/Huddersfield/Salford/Wigan/Halifax, 1999-2014) 168
6 Ryan Hall (Leeds, 2007-present) 165
7 Rob Burrow (Leeds, 2001-present) 156
8 Ade Gardner (Hull KR/St Helens, 2002-2014) 153
9 Kirk Yeaman (Hull FC, 2001-present) 152
10 Luke Dorn (Castleford/London Broncos/Harlequins/Salford, 2005-present) 151