Hull FC set to make changes for Catalans Dragons clash as Lee Radford learns lessons

BACK IN THE GAME: Hull FC's Chris Satae. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

He is expected to make a number of changes to his squad as they seek to overcome a third successive loss.

An impressive start with wins over Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR was dulled somewhat by sobering defeat against St Helens and Wigan Warriors. Radford says Albert Kelly will “definitely” be in contention for the matchday 17 after Hull’s attacking options lacked cutting edge at Wigan.

The Australian stand-off has not featured yet this term after initially being overlooked and then picking up a two-game suspension in reserve grade.

RECOVERED: Hull FC's Manu Ma'u. Picture: Chris Mangnall/SWpix.com

He is free to resume now, though, as is Chris Satae, the Tongan prop who made an excellent start to the campaign before getting his own two-game ban.

Radford said: “There have been a couple of periods in the last two games where we’ve just not been quite at it.

“Against Saints it was a 10-minute period where they blew us off the park.

“On Sunday, there was a point where we were 14-8 behind – one try and a goal – and we went set for set with Wigan but didn’t nail anything or come out of the other end like how we wanted to.

“There are some lessons learned there and hopefully we’ll have some people back this week to make changes.”

Hull could also see Tonga second-row Manu Mau return for the first time since the new signing injured his knee on the opening night at Headingley, while centre Carlos Tuimavave may return, too, after missing the Wigan loss.

“They both might be pushing and we’ll give them as long as possible,” said Radford, who must name his 21-man squad on Friday,

“But Chris (Satae) is back and we’ve missed his impact coming off the bench.”

Radford is looking forward to seeing in-form centre Josh Griffin go up against Israel Folau.

Griffin is Super League’s top metre-maker so far and the 29-year-old is making a strong claim for an England spot.

Radford said: “On this last four weeks he should be (in). But it’s got to be more than four weeks.

“It has to be through the year. That’s his challenge. We know what he can do.”