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Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos meet at Magic Weekend knowing that the result from this game could have the potential to make or break their respective season’s, with both teams in the thick of a congested play-off pursuit with just three rounds remaining.
Both sides suffered defeats on Monday with Hull FC beaten 42-14 by Salford Red Devils despite leading until the 58th minute as Red Devils’ winger Ken Sio went wild scoring four tries. Leeds were also victims of a comeback, as a late Ryan Hampshire drop-goal and last gasp Joe Arundel try saw Wakefield Trinity 20-13 winners at the Mobile Rocket Stadium.
Both teams were given a lifeline as Castleford Tigers and Hull KR were also both beaten, but the importance of this game is one that both camps aren’t underestimating, as a win for the Black and Whites would take them above the Rhinos in the Betfred Super League table.
From the Hull FC camp
The Black and Whites failed to capitalise on a hugely significant Hull derby victory and come into this game after two consecutive defeats, which makes it one win in seven games for Brett Hodgson’s men.
After Monday’s defeat, Hodgson was disappointed with his side’s performance in the final quarter of the Salford defeat and has highlighted areas where his side must improve in order to reach the play-offs.
“We’re lacking confidence, definitely. There are some individuals that aren’t playing at their best at the minute that need to work at that.
“What really disappointed me was the last 20 minutes when we had the chance to get ourselves back in it and we effectively capitulated.
“We’ve put a huge amount of effort in to not become the team that gives up so many points late, so we definitely need to have hard conversations about that and make sure that’s not what we’re about.”
In addition, the FC Head Coach highlighted the importance of this match against Leeds.
“Its obviously very important. We know what’s at stake at the end of the 80 minutes. We know as a group we haven’t been at our best for a couple of games now.
“Particularly after the Hull KR derby win, I don’t think we’ve managed to lift up to the level’s that we’ve needed.”
“It’s an important game against a very good team. We need to make sure we play near to our potential to give ourselves any chance of winning the game.”
“This game will always be won in the middle of the park.”
For his 21-man squad, Hodgson has recalled Carlos Tuimavave, Jamie Shaul and Mitieli Vulikijapani in place of Jude Ferreria, Marcus Walker and also Jack Brown who will be sidelined for a long-term period after sustaining a shoulder injury in Monday’s defeat. Scott Taylor will also miss out on the trip to St James’ Park with a back problem that ruled him out against Salford.
“We need our best team out there to ask as many questions as we can of a very good defensive team.”
FC’s Jake Connor has also stated how the game is a must-win for the Black and Whites after faltering in recent weeks.
“We just need to get the win no matter how we play. If we play poorly and we win, I don’t care.
“There is no second chances, we can’t rely on other teams to do us a favour any more. This was the last week that could have happened. If we lose there’s no second chances, it’s all in this game.”
““I think it’s one of those games and I’m sure Leeds will be the same, just to get back to winning ways.”
“It’s not a good feeling when you’re losing. Any win just to pick that momentum up, we’ll take it.”
“We’re expecting the best possible Leeds team but we need to turn up with the right attitude.”
From the Leeds Rhinos camp
Leeds come into this game in contrasting form to the Black and Whites, with Saturday’s defeat to Wakefield their first defeat in four matches.
Rhinos Head Coach Richard Agar also wasn’t hiding the importance of Saturday’s game, also labelling it as the biggest of the season as a win for his side would put significant distance between themselves and Hull.
“It’s coming down to that.
“I’ve really stopped trying to figure the percentages out. We know where we’re at given there are three games left.
“We’ve got Hull and Hull KR in that jockeying around us with percentages. We know the importance of those games and the players do too.”
Agar has stressed that the thought process throughout the week in the Rhinos camp has been on themselves.
“Of course, we look at Hull and their strengths and where we need to be good. But our big focus this week, especially off the back of how we played against Wakefield, is getting our heads right. Everything else generally takes care of itself if you do that.”
“We’ve played them twice and they were both fair and close contests.”
The Rhinos boss was also eager to share his view on Magic Weekend as a whole.
“It’s a big game. It has a different feel and atmosphere for the players.
“Not many players get to play in semi-finals and Grand Finals so to play in a big stadium is a good learning experience.”
For his 21-man squad, Agar has recalled six players, with the surprise selection being Alex Sutcliffe who has been out since round four, but is drafted in due to an injury/suspension crisis. Morgan Gannon, Jack Broadbent, Jarrod O’Connor, Sam Walters and Corey Hall also make a return to the squad.
However, the Rhinos will be without Zane Tetevano for the remainder of the regular season after his three-match ban through a high shoulder charge in the win at Wigan Warriors was upheld.
Leeds hooker Kruise Leeming also highlighted how good occasions like this are for the Rugby League.
“Its a big occasion, its good for both teams. Everybody turns up at Magic Weekend, it almost has the feeling of a final with the atmosphere and it being in such a good stadium.”
“To get the Leeds fans up there, chanting like they do. I might be biased but they’re the best fans in the league!”
When previewing the game, Leeming expects another tough game against the Black and Whites.
“It’ll be tough. We played them not so long ago and beat them, but we only just scraped the win.
“I’m expecting nothing less from them. They’ll be wanting to get us back for that win at their stadium.”
The hooker also believes the Super League table adds more importance on the fixture.
“Everything’s that little bit more important. You want to do your job to the best of your ability every time you take to the field. But to get in that top six, its a big game for both of teams and its definitely a must win.”
“We seem to be playing better in these big pressure games against the top sides, so hopefully we can give a big performance.”
This will be the third meeting of these sides this season, with both sides with one victory apiece, with FC winning 18-12 at Emerald Headingley in May, and Leeds coming out victorious 22-12 in the most recent meeting at the MKM Stadium.
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