Surprises me Leeds are third favourites...Catalan seems good value at 10/1

We know Balmforth has a minor injury but just seem to think there is something in Balforth that Smith doesnt like.
Cant play Sunday but will be fit enough for an arranged Reserve game several day later.
Unfortunately it does look like Houghton will be flogged again at nine then moved to 13

Cator said as much in a recent interview, that's why hes been training at hooker all of season, so that he can slot in at hooker when Houghton goes off or moves to 13. Strange if this is the path we go down given we've got Balmforth, signed a backup hooker in smith and also a current nz international hooker

I'm surprised about Leeds and Catalans as well. Otherwise the odds seem to be about right.

Something new for pre-match this season https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/hull-fc-confirm-new-resident-9069626

Something new for pre-match this season https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/hull-fc-confirm-new-resident-9069626

ComeOnYouUll wrote:Something new for pre-match this season https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/hull-fc-confirm-new-resident-9069626 Next CEO once Clarkey moves on?

ComeOnYouUll wrote:Something new for pre-match this season https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/hull-fc-confirm-new-resident-9069626 Next CEO once Clarkey moves on?

25/1 Get your money on

From "good afternoon West Stand" to promotion to the CEO did raise a few eyebrows

Reading the latest article it hasn't and doesn't fill me with much confidence in regards to the 9 spot. Reading the comments from Smith in the article for me its quite concerning that it does actually seem as though it will yet again be a case of either flogging Houghton for 80 mins (or as long as possible) or Cator being the interchange 9. Really do fail to see any genuine positive with that when we have Morgan Smith & Balmforth, who for me would a better option for that role and give us some threat and creativity we lack. We have been poor for far too long and during that time we have persisted continually with Houghton for 80mins or moved someone else as a stand in 9 until last season. Admittedly Dwyer wasn't great for us overall, though think that was more down to him playing like a headless chicken most of the time, however it did show what a difference it made to us having someone at 9/dummy half with a bit of flair and speed.

I really hope I have misread the situation with the article but fear I haven't and if that is Smiths grand plan then I don't actually hold out a lot of hope of seeing much in the way of improvement.

Certainly wouldn't have been my first choice having Cator as backup. I'm wondering if there's more to Balmforth not getting game time apart from this shoulder injury. Only thinking aloud but maybe his fitness isn't still up to scratch? Smith sees these guys every day so I have faith in his judgement.