Hull FC seek back-to-back home victories against French opposition

Hull FC welcome Toulouse Olimpique to the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon, looking for their fifth successive home victory, and second in a row against French opponents after a resolute display saw off Catalan Dragons 14-8 last Sunday.

An upturn in the club’s home form and only two league defeats since February has seen the Black and Whites rise to the top four, and a win on Saturday could see them move as high as third, depending on Catalans’  result against Castleford on Friday night.

Head coach Brett Hodgson is pleased with the upturn in fortunes regarding FC’s results at the MKM, but has stated that they must continue in this fashion if they are to be serious contenders.

“I know that has plagued us as a club over a number of years,”

“A part of our pre-season conversation was about performing well at home and giving the supporters something to cheer about and giving them something to watch.

Hodgson knows his side won’t have things their own way this weekend either, as they face a Toulouse side, who despite being bottom of the table, have given a number of sides a tough encounter in their maiden Super League season.

“We’ve been happy in large elements in the last two weeks in particular but you’re only as good as your next game and we need to make sure that’s another successful event for us.”

“They’ve had some really close results against some big teams, and have played well in a number of those games.

“We know we’ll be in a game. Our standards needs to remain or improve and that’s been the message throughout the week.”

This message was echoed by Jordan Johnstone, as the Cumbrian has also been impressed by their latest opponents despite their lowly position

“We’ll be going into this game with the same mindset as last week.

“They’re a good side who’ve been unlucky at times. They’ve got some maverick players as well so we need to focus properly for the full 80 minutes.”

Johnstone is out of contract at the end of this season, however he remains fully focused on showing his worth as he continues to play a regular role.

“Going forward, I think I’ve shown my capabilities to help the team.

“I must be doing something right for Brett to keep picking me.”

For this game, FC will be without Josh Reynolds after a suspension following last week’s victory as well as Mitieli Vulikijapani who will represent the British Army against the Navy for the Babcock Trophy, Aidan Burrell will also miss out. However, Connor Wynne returns to the squad following head assessment protocols alongside the return of Davy Litten from  his loan spell at Whitehaven and Denive Balmforth, who could make his FC debut.

For Toulouse, they will see Chris Hankinson back for this fixture. However, Mitch Garbutt will be absent due to injury, and new signing Corey Norman remains unavailable.

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