Hull FC selection headache welcomed by Lee Radford ahead of derby with Hull KR

He takes his side into tomorrow’s derby with Hull KR having lost key forwards Gareth Ellis and Manu Ma’u to injury yet still has options available to him.

Stars such as Mahe Fonua, Albert Kelly and Adam Swift did not even make the matchday 17 for Sunday’s impressive 30-4 win at Leeds Rhinos.

They all now come into contention to face Rovers along with captain Danny Houghton –who returns in the 21-man squad after injury – and England Knights prop Masi Matongo.

“I’m loving it,” said Radford, when asked about squad depth.

“I’m getting coffees bought for me by the players, some of them are bringing cup cakes to me in the morning.

“It’s fantastic. I should have got a bigger squad years ago!

“There were some solid performances against Leeds but likewise there are some blokes who aren’t playing, who are going above and beyond as well.

“There’s a lot doing the right thing and that’s what you want as a head coach. There’s been a few in the injury room this week but if they’re not 100 per cent we know we’ve got some pretty talented blokes not involved who we can now give a crack to.”

Tony Smith’s Rovers are favourites for relegation but got off to a great start with Friday’s win over Wakefield.

“What it says on the tin is what you get with KR,” said Radford.

“Tony has gone out and recruited a young, energetic group. I went to watch them on Friday and that was evident in their performance.”

Injury-hit Castleford Tigers have England back-row Oli Holmes back in contention against Wigan Warriors tomorrow but up to five youngsters could debut.