Hull FC host Leeds Rhinos in cracking Challenge Cup clash

Hull FC are 6/4 with Coral to knock Leeds Rhinos out of the Challenge Cup in what is likely to be a completely different match to last time out, when the Rhinos ran out 32-20 Super League winners. They did pay a considerable price for the win though, with Danny McGuire picking up an injury which could leave him sidelined for the rest of the season.

Lee Radford’s side will be looking to make life as uncomfortable as possible for the West Yorkshire outfit in front of what is sure to be a near-to-capacity KC Stadium. The Airlie Birds coach has said that his players’ mentality must improve, if they are to push on this term, following the narrow defeat to Leeds last time out.

“Our effort and commitment for each other was never in question, and hasn’t been all year, but our skill and execution are just not giving us a chance,” Radford told local media.

“Certainly that’s the case over the last fortnight. When we get the ball we have to be more clinical. That isn’t something that is fixed up on Monday’s training session or Tuesday’s, that’s something we have to get better at mentally as a group.

“We are really having a crack at teams, but we have to be better with the ball,” he continued.

“I felt like we gave Leeds a 50-minute head start and they dominated us physically. We never had any territory and to come in with a 10-point deficit at half-time was a credit to the group for their effort, but we have to get better in terms of what we do with the ball.”

Danny Houghton got on the scoresheet at Headingley and is 9/2 with Coral to do so again anytime, while youngster Jordan Thompson also crossed; he is 7/2 to breach the in-goal area in the same market.

For the Rhinos, they will be looking to heavyweights Ryan Hall and Kallum Watkins to make an impact on Humberside and they are 13/2 and 9/1 to grab the first try, while Joel Moon (who scored twice in the recent victory) is 13/8 anytime.