Widnes v Hull FC preview
Hull coach Lee Radford is happy to put his trust in 20-year-old half-back Jordan Abdull as the Black and Whites seek to get back to winning ways on Thursday night.
Radford's men must put narrow back-to-back home defeats by Castleford and Wigan behind them when they take on surprise early Super League pace-setters Widnes at the Select Security Stadium.
They must do so without experienced playmaker Leon Pryce, who is out with a knee injury, but Radford has every confidence in his deputy.
Hull-born Abdull caught the eye during 18 Super League appearances in 2015 but has yet to figure so far this season.
"Every player has a role to play this year," Radford said. "Jordan's there to slot in when required.
"I'm confident he can do more than a good job there. Hopefully he can continue from where he left off last season."
Radford has included former New Zealand Test forward Frank Pritchard in his 19-man squad for the round-five clash after he sat out last Friday's last-minute defeat by the Warriors with a shoulder injury.
Radford is confident his side's confidence will not have been dented by their agonising recent defeats as they look to repeat their 25-12 victory at the Select Security Stadium in 2015.
"We deserved to get something from the Wigan game," he said. "If we can continue to keep scoring like we have been, I'll be happy.
"I'm confident that if we perform in our next game we'll pick up points."
Widnes, who can boast Super League's leading tryscorer in Australian winger Corey Thompson with eight touchdowns in his first five games for the club, have a chance to open up a two-point gap at the top of the table.
The Vikings, who are without Connor Farrell after he sustained a serious knee injury in the win over Hull KR, are set to recall hooker Aaron Heremaia.
Winger Patrick Ah Van is available after recovering from injury and prop Alex Gerrard is in line to make his first appearance of the season.
Widnes Vikings: Patrick Ah Van, Chris Bridge, Kevin Brown, Hep Cahill, Chris Dean, Gil Dudson, Alex Gerrard, Rhys Hanbury, Aaron Heremaia, Chris Houston, Macgraff Leuluai, Manase Manuokafoa, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor, Eamon O'Carroll, Charly Runciman, Corey Thompson, Lloyd White, Matt Whitley.
Hull FC: Jordan Abdull, Josh Bowden, Gareth Ellis, Chris Green, Danny Houghton, Jack Logan, Sika Manu, Steve Michaels, Mark Minichiello, Curtis Naughton, Frank Pritchard, Jamie Shaul, Marc Sneyd, Fetuli Talanoa, Scott Taylor, Jordan Thompson, Carlos Tuimavave, Danny Washbrook, Liam Watts.
