AFTER a breakthrough year in 2016 that saw them establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with, Hull FC have been flying under the radar this season.

The fanfare for Lee Radford’s side has been nowhere near as loud, but still they are handily placed in fourth at the halfway stage of the regular rounds.

The Black and Whites are just one point behind leading pair Castleford and Leeds after beating the Tigers on Sunday, a win that was made even more impressive given they played with 12 men for more than an hour after Liam Watts’ red card.

Radford has assembled a nice blend of youth and experience in a side that already boasted one of the most impressive packs in Super League.

Watts will be suspended for Friday’s game but England prop Scott Taylor still lurks, as do the vastly-experienced Mark Minichiello and Gareth Ellis.

Further back, Marc Sneyd’s kicking game is crucial to how Hull operate, while full-back Jamie Shaul is one of the competition’s most dangerous runners.

ONE TO WATCH – Albert Kelly:

WHILE Hull’s approach is often methodical, the enigmatic Australian can add a sprinkle of magic dust to their play.

Kelly has immediately established himself as a fan’s favourite at the KCOM Stadium since arriving from city rivals Hull KR, with his biggest danger being his unpredictability with the ball.

COACH PROFILE - Lee Radford:

AFTER a heavy defeat to Widnes in the early stages of last season, the Hull players locked Radford and his coaching staff out of the dressing room so they could discuss their shortcomings themselves.

The writing appeared to be on the wall, but what followed was a run which saw them establish themselves as a force in Super League.

Whatever comes of Radford's tenure at the KCOM Stadium, he will always be remembered as the man who guided the Airlie Birds to their first ever win at Wembley.

 

INJURY NEWS:

RADFORD'S main injury concern is the absence of reigning Man of Steel Danny Houghton, who has not featured since last month due to a hamstring injury.

It was hoped the hooker would be fit to face The Wire, but he has not passed a fitness test.

Joining Houghton on the sidelines will be prop Liam Watts, who is serving a ban after his sending off in Sunday's victory over Castleford.

He was initially banned for two games, but an appeal saw the suspension cut in half.

Hull squad: Jamie Shaul, Mahe Fonua, Carlos Tuimavave, Josh Griffin, Albert Kelly, Marc Sneyd, Scott Taylor, Mark Minichiello, Gareth Ellis, Jake Connor, Chris Green, Jordan Thompson, Danny Washbrook, Steve Michaels, Sika Manu, Jansin Turgut, Jack Downs, Brad Fash, Jez Litten.

PREDICTED LINE-UP:

Shaul; Fonua, Tuimavave, Griffin, Michaels; Kelly, Sneyd; Taylor, Washbrook, Green, Manu, Minichiello, Ellis. Subs: Connor, Thompson, Turgut, Litten.