Hull v Bradford: Teams
Mark O'Meley could return for the Black and Whites against Bradford, who are hopeful Heath L'Estrange will be fit to play.
Last Updated: 07/04/11 3:20pm
Hull could have Mark O'Meley back for Friday's clash with Bradford.
Prop O'Meley has missed the last three matches due to a foot injury suffered in the defeat against Wigan at the DW Stadium back on March 13.
It was initially thought the Australian wouldn't return before the busy Easter period, but coach Richard Agar has included him in his 19-man squad.
Sean Long has been left out, with the experienced scrum-half expected to be suspended on Thursday following his red card against Castleford.
Sam Obst will instead partner Richard Horne in the half-back roles, while winger Reece Lyne returns. There is still no place for Danny Washbrook.
L'Estrange hopeful
Bradford head out on their travels hoping Heath L'Estrange is fit to face the Black and Whites.
Hooker L'Estrange missed the 24-22 home victory over Harlequins last Sunday due to an ankle injury picked up in training.
Danny Addy fractured a thumb against Quins, meaning he joins Jamie Langley, Michael Platt, Nick Scruton and Dave Halley on the sidelines.
Gareth Raynor is also ruled out due to a hamstring strain, the ex-Airlie Bird failing to recover in time to face his former employers.
John Bateman returns, however, in place of Kyle Briggs. The Bulls were beaten twice last season by Hull, including a 18-6 reverse at the KC Stadium.
Bradford back rower Elliott Whitehead knows his side will face a real challenge on the road, despite their opponents languishing down in 11th place.
"They are a good side who just haven't been getting the results," he said.
"They have just lost out to a few sides by a couple of points - they did that against Cas last week - and they will be smarting from that, so we know we will have a big job against them but we will be confident going into the game."
Hull: T. Briscoe, Dowes, Fitzgibbon, Horne, Houghton, Lauaki, Lyne, Manu, Moa, Obst , O'Meley, Phelps, Radford, Sharp, Tickle, Turner, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman
Bradford: Ainscough, Ah Van, Bateman, Burgess, Diskin, Donaldson, Elima, Hargreaves, Herbert, Kearney, Kopczak, L'Estrange, Lynch, Olbison, Royston, Sibbit, Sykes, Walker, Whitehead.