TEAM NEWS: Hull FC v Wolves (From This Is Cheshire)

TEAM NEWS: Hull FC v Wolves

2:46pm Sunday 5th February 2012 in Sport By Mike Parsons

WOLVES start the 2012 season with a much-changed backline against Hull FC at the KC Stadium.

With Lee Briers dropped, Brett Hodgson and Joel Monaghan injured, as well as Matt King now plying his trade with South Sydney Rabbitohs, it is an unfamiliar line-up.

Of course, the faces are not strangers and there is bags of talent with Rhys Evans and Rhys Williams taking up the wing spots, but there is a lack of experience present for Hull to test out this afternoon.

Wolves have confirmed that Briers has been left out due to a ‘breach of players’ game preparation agreement’, other no further details have been released.

It leaves Stefan Ratchford and Richie Myler to steer the team from the half back positions, with Ratchford making his full debut after signing from Salford City Reds.

Warrington’s pack looks as strong as ever, with Trent Waterhouse filling the void left by Louis Anderson in the left second-row berth.

Hull are without a few of their new signings, including key Aussie half back Brett Seymour. One of their own Academy products Danny Nicklas will play at number seven after a season on the sidelines with seriously damaged knee ligaments.

Wolves: Chris Riley; Rhys Evans, Chris Bridge, Ryan Atkins, Rhys Williams; Stefan Ratchford, Richie Myler; Adrian Morley, Michael Monaghan, Garreth Carvell, Trent Waterhouse, Ben Westwood, Simon Grix. Subs: Ben Harrison, Mike Cooper, Micky Higham, Paul Wood.

Hull FC: Wade McKinnon; Will Sharp, Tony Martin, Kirk Yeaman, Tom Briscoe; Richard Horne, Danny Nicklas; Mark O’Meley, Danny Houghton, Andy Lynch, Willie Manu, Danny Tickle, Joe Westerman. Subs: Sam Moa, Jordan Turner, Richard Whiting, Martin Aspinwall.