Agree with you about Bowden and it seemed it was more a psychological/confidence issue with him rather than the injury itself which if I remember he'd said as much in an interview. I thought in the 2nd half of last season he was certainly looking like a player who should be in the 17. As good as Brown is at the moment I would still put Bowden in ahead of Brown (just) so Bowden certainly can't afford to be below par but neither can any of the forwards as Brown would rightly be given the opportunity to shine.

not a chance

Just listened to journo Matthew Shaw on the radio, in his view Hull FC were the stars of Round 1.

Fonua seems like one of them players who struggles with fitness and isnt just there yet which is why he was almost getting used like a forward at times against Hudds - give it two or three games and he'll be on fire and back to his best imo - Faraimo is a poor mans Fonua imo

I was happy with what Fonua did tbh. Yes he made a hash of that kick which could have easily cost us a try, but apart from that he did some good work. Did some hard yards with the ball and didn't get out of shape defensively. Not to mention his pass during that play on half time. I also saw in some stats that he was 3rd for distance covered during the game. Behind Houghton and Sneyd. So he isn't shirking. He's getting about the pitch and putting the work in which is great to see when he looked so unfit last year.

Faraimo will get a chance at some point and it's up to him to take it when it comes. But I thought both wingers performed well and I wouldn't fix it if it isn't broken.

Fonua certianly didn't look unfit to me, also saw the stat that he was 3rd in the list for distance covered. Thought he had a solid game, definatley nothing to nit pick over after a good result.