Hull FC v Catalans Dragons: '˜Classy' Jake Connor backed to make big impression for Airlie Birds

The utility-back, 22, joined from Huddersfield Giants in the off-season and made his debut off the bench in their Super League opener at Wakefield Trinity.

Connor, playing at full-back, scored the match-winning try in that 12-8 success but will start at half-back for Lee Radford’s side tomorrow with ex-Hull KR Albert Kelly serving a one-game ban.

Back-row Ellis said: “Alby is missing but Jake’s been chomping at the bit for the last few weeks to be honest and looks like a really classy player.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him out there and the influence he has on our team.

“Hopefully things go well for him and he gives a selection headache for Radders in the coming weeks.”

Hull are looking forward to some dry conditions after that first match was played in wind, rain and on a quagmire of a Belle Vue pitch.

“Just anything slightly better than what it was at Wakefield will be a bonus,” said ex-Great Britain international Gareth Ellis, who led Hull to the Challenge Cup last season.

“It was tough going out there and other than the win I didn’t really enjoy it.

“Hopefully conditions are better and with Catalans beating Warrington in their opener it sets this game up pretty well.

“It’s been a while since we were back at the KCOM Stadium and I’m really looking forward to it.

“The club’s worked really hard at getting a big crowd down for us.

“It’s exciting times and it’s up to us to do a job so a few more of those extra supporters might become career Hull FC fans.”

Catalans were impressive with that win over Warrington who, in turn, of course beat Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Series on Saturday.

They have recruited Sam Moa, the New Zealand prop who became a cult hero during four years at Hull before switching to Sydney Roosters.

He won the NRL Grand Final with Roosters in 2013 and played almost 100 games with them before heading back to Super League in the winter.

However, Catalans’ biggest signing is Greg Bird, the former New South Wales State of Origin and Kangaroos star in his second spell in Perpignan, while Luke Walsh, the Australian stand-off, has arrived from St Helens.

Catalans started on fire last season before falling away and, on their prospects in 2017, Ellis added: “It’s a bit of the unknown.

“They’ve done it in the past (recruited big) and it’s not quite worked out for them.

“They’ve shown promise and then faded at the end.

“I think they have a better balance about them this time around and from their point of view they’ll be hoping they have learnt from their mistakes.

“A lot of clubs have done it; I think we’ve been guilty of it in the past

“You have to get your recruitment spot on and build your culture and that will go a long way.

“I’m sure Catalans will be hoping this year is their year but we’re really looking forward to building on what we did last time around.

“With us winning and Catalans beating Warrington, too, it sets this game up nicely.”

Meanwhile, Ellis was cheered by seeing both Wigan - against NRL champions Cronulla Sharks - and Warrington prosper in the World Club Series last weekend after Super League lost 3-0 in each of the previous two seasons.

“I thought it was really good for Super League to present themselves in that way and get the two wins,” said the 35-year-old, who proved such a star during four seasons in Sydney with Wests Tigers.

“I spent all my time in Australia feeling like I was representing Super League in England and copping a rubbing for us not quite getting there.

“It was nice to see the two teams do so well over the weekend.”

Hull have prop Josh Bowden available after missing the opening win at Wakefield with an ankle injury while Danny Washbrook is set to make his 150th Super League appearance for the club.

Catalans will give a debut to former Hull KR three-quarter Iain Thornley in place of injured winger Fouad Yaha, while former Warrington forward Louis Anderson returns after missing the opening win over his old club through injury.

Hooker Alrix Da Costa is also called into coach Laurent Frayssinous’ 19-man squad.