Hull FC v Wigan: Radford sidelined as Airlie Birds prepare for Wembley rematch

Hull FC's Jamie Shaul and Wigan Warriors' John Bateman battle during the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. The two sides meet again tonight at the KCOM Stadium. Picture: Paul Harding/PA.

He has been ill all week meaning assistant Andy Last has taken charge of first-team affairs as the East Yorkshire club strive for the Super 8s victory that could go a long way to securing the much-desired top-four placing.

It is less than a fortnight since Hull beat Wigan 18-14 to retain the Cup so the visitors will certainly arrive desperate to gain some semblance of revenge but also to keep their own Super League semi-final hopes alive.

FC have selection issues with captain Gareth Ellis and winger Steve Michaels serving one-game bans, plus centre Carlos Tuimavave and prop Chris Green missing out with injuries.

Illness-hit: Hull FC coach Lee Radford with the Challenge Cup.

Last, however, believes Radford – who also stayed away from Wednesday’s club presentation night – will make the cut.

“I think the coach will be all right,” he said.

“I spoke to him first thing in the morning (Thursday); we discussed team selection and then I announced that to the boys.

“He feels a lot better in himself. He’s been away and was a little bit washed out but he’s feeling a lot better so, hopefully, he’ll be ready to go tomorrow. If not, then I’ll have to step in and my record is not great.

“It is done one and lost one. It was Castleford away in 2015 I think so if I do get the opportunity, hopefully I can reverse that.”

Champions Wigan, who responded to their Wembley heartache with an impressive win over St Helens, could take Hull’s place in the top four with victory.

Last conceded: “It is a really, really big game. There’s no bigger game in Super League than playing Wigan when they have a lot to play for. Obviously we were able to get over the top of them at Wembley but that is history now.

“You don’t get many opportunities against Wigan and so you have to take them. The big thing for us is we perform well under pressure and in the big games the players have stepped up.”

Form dipped alarmingly following Wembley last year but Last says there’s a “distinct change in the group mentality” since 12 months ago as they seek a first Grand Final since 2006.