Leeds Rhinos head to the MKM Stadium this Sunday for the first of two away meetings with Hull FC as Rohan Smith's side look to get back to winning ways, kick off 3pm.

The black and whites are aiming to end a six game losing streak in all competitions, which has put them two points above the bottom of the league, whilst Leeds also have eyes on a first win since the end of March.

As matchday approaches, find out more about the black and whites here:

Overview

Name: Hull FC

Founded: 1865

Seasons in Super League: 26

Interim Coaches: Simon Grix and Francis Cummins

Club Captain: Danny Houghton

Last three season finishes: 2023 = 10th, 2022 = 9th, 2021 = 8th

Best SL finish: 2nd (2006)

Grand Final appearances: One (Finalist in 2006)

So far in 2024...

Heading into their second week with Simon Grix and Francis Cummins at the helm following the departure of Tony Smith, Hull FC enter a period of their season where wins would help put daylight between them and the bottom of the Betfred Super League table. 

Even with squad investment that saw Herman Ese'ese and Franklin Pele bolster the forward pack, and Morgan Smith, Liam Tindall and Jack Walker provide options in the backs, the black and whites have been unable to pick up results in 2024 as they sit on two points in the table along with Castleford Tigers and Leigh Leopards.

After starting the campaign with defeats to Hull KR and Warrington Wolves, Hull managed to halt London's fightback at the MKM Stadium in round three, thanks to a late try from Morgan Smith which secured a 28-24 win. 

Since then, a tough string of fixtures has seen Catalans, Hull KR, St Helens and Huddersfield take wins away from the black and whites; three out of four results seeing Hull's opponents score 50+ points. 

This week's clash against the Rhinos gives the black and whites a chance to perform for their home crowd ahead of a four game spell on the road. After Sunday's clash, Hull visit Warrington, London, Castleford and Huddersfield before hosting Leeds and Warrington for a second time towards the end of June.

Squad

One to Watch

Herman Ese'ese

Having bounced around the NRL at clubs such as The Dolphins, Canterbury and Gold Coast, prop Herman Ese'ese was brought to Hull as the next bruising prop forward to follow the likes of Chris Satae, Frank Pritchard and Sika Manu. 

Despite missing a handful of games at the start of the year following a sin binning in round one, the New Zealand and Samoa international has played in every league game since the start of March and notably ranks in Hull's top statistical players for metres (781), carries (80), and tackle breaks (29).

He is also the nephew of Leeds legend Ali Lauitiiti.

Ligi Sao

2022 World Cup finalist Ligi Sao is setting the benchmark once again for the black and white's forward pack as he ranks as one of the side's top performers on the stats sheet after eight rounds of Super League.

In his third season in Hull colours, Sao has the second most carries out of any FC player this season with 89, plus he leads the team in post contact metres and offloads too. Looking at the whole league, he is the fifth highest offloader behind Salford's Nene Macdonald and Tim Lafai, Castleford's Sam Wood and Wigan centre Toby King.

Logan Moy

One of the upcoming talents coming through at Hull is full back Logan Moy, who has been given the chance to impress at Super League level in recent weeks. Utilised off the bench against Huddersfield in his first outing at the MKM Stadium, the full back was handed the starting spot a week later against St Helens after the departure of Tex Hoy to Castleford and looks to retain his spot for the visit of the Rhinos.

He has been just one example of young players that the club has backed this season, including Jack Charles who has five appearances under his belt, and joint leading try scorer Lewis Martin. With good footwork and electric pace, he is one to watch for the future.

Fixtures

Round Nine- Vs Leeds Rhinos (MKM Stadium, KO 3pm)

Round Ten - Vs Warrington Wolves (Halliwell Jones, KO 8pm)

Round Eleven - Vs London Broncos (Cherry Red Records Stadium, KO 3pm)

Round Twelve - Vs Castleford Tigers (Mend-A-Hose Jungle, KO 7.45pm)

Round Thirteen - Vs Leeds Rhinos (MKM Stadium, KO 3pm)

Stats Performers

Tries: Liam Sutcliffe, Jack Walker, Lewis Martin (2 tries)

Goals: Darnell McIntosh (8 goals)

Carries: Darnell McIntosh (100 carries)

Tackles: Jordan Lane (313 tackles)

Offloads: Ligi Sao (15 offloads)

Tackle Breaks: Herman Ese'ese (29 tackle breaks)

Penalties: Jack Brown (7 penalties)

Last Super League match

Head over to Hull this Sunday

Tickets and travel for the away Betfred Super League game against Hull FC are available to purchase online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk, over the phone on 0371 423 1315 and from Leeds Rhinos Club Shop (Opening Hours) now. 

Advanced prices start at £30 for adults, £23 for concessions and £12 for juniors, and travel from AMT Headingley Stadium at 12noon is priced at £18 per person.

Find out more.