Hull FC make the trip west to take on Huddersfield Giants in Saturday evening’s Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-final.

Both sides saw off Championship opponents in round five, with Huddersfield beating Barrow 30-16 whilst Hull FC managed 10 tries in a dominant 58-12 success against Sheffield Eagles.

Black and Whites head coach Brett Hodgson will travel to his old stomping ground to take on the Giants, buoyed by the return of key man Josh Reynolds, as well as late fitness checks on Carlos Tuimavave and Kane Evans. With Tuimavave only at Hodgson’s disposal once so far this season, his absence has been noteworthy, whilst Reynolds’ return sees the potential opportunity of a half-back pairing of the 32-year old and captain Luke Gale.

Hodgson, who won the competition once as a player with Warrington, will look to guide FC to their fifth semi-final in seven years.

“I love the competition for the reason that you have to leave everything you have out on the field or else you could find yourself out,”

“Every game is almost a mini cup final because there are no second chances.

“There’s always just a different feel to the Challenge Cup, as well. There’s an upbeat mood around the place and it’s becoming exciting now we’re moving towards the pointy-end of the competition.”

And whilst he believes there is still more to come from his side, he refuses to be overly concerned by it.

“I think we have been travelling OK, but I still think that there is some improvement in us,”

““But I won’t be too hasty about it. We’re seven Super League games in and we’re into the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, so it’s been a good start and I feel that we can keep improving every week.”

Huddersfield come into this tie after an impressive 28-12 victory against Catalans Dragons, but will be without Oliver Russell this weekend as he follows concussion protocols whilst Theo Fages and ex FC man Josh Jones remain in the squad after coming through last weekend’s fixture.

Head Coach Ian Watson believes his pack will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this quarter-final.

“There’s good decisions to be made in and around our pack, and its an area we are going to need to be good in.”

With players coming back into the selection fold, Watson has also highlighted how he is relishing the challenge of a selection headache despite those “good decisions”.

“That’s the hard bit, but you’d rather have these questions or challenges as you go forward rather than struggling to select players. Especially when some are playing well.”

“It obviously comes down to your opinion for the game that’s coming up on who you pick and choose, and hopefully you’re right on those decisions.”

This will be the second meeting in just three weeks for these two sides, having met in the Super League on March 20th which saw Hull FC win 14-6.

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